Viewpoints on control of military satellite communications

The three main factors are system management, communication protocols, and the control system architecture. Each of these is analyzed here in terms of a model. The model for system management is the definition of system control of the Defense Communications System, referred to as DCS syscon. The model for communication protocols is referred to as the ISO model of OSI, ISO denoting the International Standards Organization and OSI denoting open systems interconnection. The model of the control system architecture is an elemental model. The interplay between the models is highlighted. Examples are presented from the Defense Satellite Communications System and from MILSTAR. Prospects for the future are considered in view of the integration expected as systems become more capable and sophisticated. It is expected that many of the real-time control functions performed at the worldwide and theater levels will be automated on the satellite.