Formulation of the follow-on Defense Satellite Communications System concept

An approach used to formulate the follow-on Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) concept for the 1980's is illustrated. The DSCS users characteristics and needs, the criteria for measuring the effectiveness of the system concept, and the interactions of these factors are described. This allows the formulation of a system concept with an optimum potential to serve the DSCS users effectively. The salient features of the recommended follow-on DSCS concept are the use of multi-beams antennas on the satellite to provide flexibility in reconfiguring the system to conform with the changing operational environment, and sufficient channelization of the available frequency spectrum to allow segregation of user groups with diverse requirements.