Space Qualification Proceeds on the Common Data Link Program

A modular Communication, Command, and Control (C3) architecture has been developed for use in a variety of Department of Defense (DoD) applications by the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force/Defense Support Project Office (OSAF/DSPO). The C3 architecture is implemented under the direction of the SAF/DSPO's Common Data Links Program Office using government defined and controlled common modules. This set of common modules is now being qualified for space applications. The family of common modules provide the building block to satisfy a wide range of unique operational requirements while achieving commonality, tri-service interoperability, multi-system connectivity, and a flexible baseline for technology insertion. SAF/DSPO has also been involved for many years in utilization studies and mission assessment analysis of small dedicated satellites as one method of providing required support to many tactical missions. This paper reviews the Common Data Links Space Qualification Program and provides an understanding of how the COL Common Modules fit into small satellite type programs of interest in satisfying tactically oriented missions. Emphasis is placed on describing the types of missions, user interactions with COL and typical C3 implementations on board the small satellites.