Operation of communications satellite systems during crisis and conflict

U.S. military communications satellites can provide an impressive capability for command and control. Whether the combat forces will be able to make effective use of this capability depends on the operational management of the systems. Today, control of COMSAT systems optimizes their use to support a single mission or class of missions. In conflict it will be necessary to allocate capacity based on mission priority rather than peacetime operational concepts. A satellite control network tied to the JSC through the Space Defense Operations Center would allow rapid reallocation of capability to support wartime and crisis requirements without jeopardizing the role of the operational manager.