Single Purpose Satellite Systems

This paper examines the need for tactically responsive space systems capable of supporting battlefield and fleet commanders. Terminology used to describe this category of satellite system varies according to organization or agency. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Lightsat, the Naval Space Command's SPINSAT, and the Air Force Space Command s TACSAT, are reviewed. The United State Space Command's space support mission IS addressed and the role single-purpose satellites can play in fulfilling requirements for operationally responsive satellite systems is described. The United States and Department of Defense space policies are discussed. The position taken by Secretary of Defense, Frank Carlucci regarding CHEAPSATS is discussed. The relationship between multi-mission and single-purpose satellite systems is delineated, in addition to fulfilling specific mission requirements, single-purpose satellite systems can augment multi-mission systems in crisis or fill temporary outages. Candidate functions for single-purpose satellites which include: communications, surveillance, meteorology, and store and forward (to readout remote sensors or transfer data to forward users) are discussed.