USAF DEUCSI Program; Advancing Military Communications with Commercial Space Internet

Rajesh Uppal July 25, 2024 Industry, Space Comments Off on USAF DEUCSI Program; Advancing Military Communications with Commercial Space Internet 1,386 Views

In today’s interconnected world, military operations rely heavily on robust and reliable communications networks. From troops on the ground to ships at sea and aircraft in the sky, the need for seamless communication is paramount. Traditional military satellite communications have served their purpose but come with limitations in terms of cost, complexity, and adaptability. However, with the emergence of commercial space internet (CSI), a new era of military communications is dawning.

The way we wage war is constantly evolving, and the U.S. Air Force is taking a bold step towards the future with the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program. This initiative leverages the burgeoning commercial space internet industry to revolutionize military communications.

The Evolution of Satellite Communications

Communications satellites play a crucial role in relaying radio telecommunications signals between different locations on Earth, facilitating voice, video, and data exchange for military forces worldwide. With the increasing complexity of military operations and the dispersion of conflict areas, situational awareness becomes paramount across all levels of command and among various military units. Satellite communications provide a means to establish a common operating picture, enabling seamless coordination and decision-making among warfighters, naval personnel, airborne troops, and central command.

Satellite communications have long been a cornerstone of military operations, providing essential connectivity for voice, video, and data exchange across vast distances. Traditionally, military satellite communications programs have been characterized by custom-designed satellites tailored to specific mission requirements, resulting in lengthy development cycles and high costs per spacecraft. However, the emergence of commercial space ventures has ushered in a new era of satellite technology, with companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, Telesat, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper planning to deploy constellations of hundreds to thousands of broadband satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). This shift away from traditional geosynchronous orbit (GEO) satellites promises reduced latency and increased bandwidth, revolutionizing global internet services and military communications capabilities.

The Rise of Commercial Space Internet

Companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, and Telesat are leading the charge in revolutionizing satellite internet. Instead of relying on a few large satellites in geosynchronous orbit, these companies are deploying constellations of hundreds or even thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). This shift offers several advantages, including lower latency and increased bandwidth, making it ideal for military applications.

Benefits of Commercial Space Internet for Military

In light of these advancements, the U.S. Air Force is exploring opportunities to leverage commercial satellite communications technology to enhance military internet tactical networking. By capitalizing on the capabilities offered by commercial satellite constellations, the military aims to reduce costs, improve reliability, and enhance data throughput for ground, air, and sea-based operations.

The advantages of leveraging CSI for military communications are manifold. Firstly, the increased bandwidth and lower latency offered by LEO constellations enable real-time data exchange, essential for mission-critical operations. Additionally, the proliferation of small satellites and falling launch costs have made CSI more cost-effective than traditional military satellites.

Wider Coverage: These constellations provide near-global coverage, ensuring connectivity in remote regions previously out of reach.
Enhanced Bandwidth: Commercial space internet boasts significantly higher bandwidth compared to traditional military satellites, enabling faster data transmission and support for real-time applications.
Reduced Costs: Leveraging existing commercial infrastructure can be more cost-effective than deploying and maintaining dedicated military satellite networks.

Moreover, the flexibility and scalability of CSI allow for rapid deployment and adaptation to changing operational requirements. This strategic shift underscores the military’s commitment to embracing cutting-edge space technologies to meet evolving operational needs in an increasingly interconnected world.

Challenges and Solutions

While the potential benefits of CSI for military communications are clear, there are challenges to overcome.

The utilization of commercial satellite communication (Satcom) presents several challenges for the military, as identified by a comprehensive study conducted by the Pentagon in 2018. While recognizing the potential benefits of integrating commercial Satcom technology into military operations, Pentagon officials highlighted a significant obstacle: the majority of military terminals lack compatibility with modern Satcom technology. This discrepancy could result in substantial delays and expenses in upgrading or replacing the Defense Department’s inventory of wideband Satcom terminals, which currently stands at 17,000 units.

Addressing the need for adaptable and interoperable Satcom devices, the Defense Department envisions an ideal Satcom device with roaming capabilities, capable of seamlessly switching between available providers in a given area. This vision aligns with the concept of path-agnostic communications, facilitated by the burgeoning commercial space internet infrastructure leveraging commercial satellites. However, achieving this vision requires overcoming existing technological limitations and ensuring compatibility with legacy military equipment.

One such challenge is the compatibility of existing military terminals with modern satcom technology. Upgrading or replacing these terminals could take decades and incur significant costs. However, efforts are underway to develop flexible modem interfaces that can seamlessly connect existing terminals to commercial networks, providing multi-band connectivity akin to cellular services.

To enhance wideband communications, the Pentagon prioritizes the development of a flexible modem interface, aimed at connecting existing military terminals to both commercial networks and military satellites. This initiative, backed by a $10 million investment from the Air Force, aims to enable seamless multi-band connectivity akin to modern cellular services. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, with outdated terminals hindering access to new satellite systems such as the Navy’s MUOS narrowband communications satellites and the upgraded GPS constellation.

Defense Experimentation Using the Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI)

To address these challenges and explore the potential of commercial space internet, the Defense Experimentation Using the Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program was launched. This program seeks to enable military users to move and share data seamlessly across various fixed and mobile operating locations, leveraging high-bandwidth, beyond-line-of-sight communications capabilities. By fostering path-agnostic communications, DEUCSI aims to empower military personnel to communicate reliably with any location worldwide without the need to specify communication network nodes explicitly.

The US Air Force (USAF) is looking to leverage the growing potential of commercial space internet (CSI) with the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program. This program aims to establish reliable communication for military platforms through various commercial satellite constellations.

Multi-Constellation Compatibility: DEUCSI seeks to develop user terminals that can connect to various commercial satellite constellations, offering flexibility and redundancy.
Open Standards and Interoperability: DEUCSI prioritizes open communication protocols to ensure compatibility between military equipment and different commercial space internet providers. This fosters a dynamic and competitive environment.
Experimentation and Innovation: DEUCSI serves as a testing ground for integrating commercial space internet into real-world military scenarios. This allows the Air Force to assess its effectiveness and identify potential challenges.

By partnering with companies like SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Ball Aerospace, the program aims to establish resilient, high-bandwidth communications for warfighters on the ground, in the air, and at sea. Through a series of experiments and test flights, DEUCSI seeks to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of path-agnostic communications, enabling military users to communicate reliably anywhere in the world.

The US Air Force Seeks Flexible Connectivity with DEUCSI Program

Why is DEUCSI Important?

Current military communication systems rely on specific providers and infrastructures. DEUCSI seeks a more flexible and adaptable solution. By utilizing multiple CSI constellations in different orbits (Low-Earth Orbit – LEO, Medium-Earth Orbit – MEO, Geosynchronous Earth Orbit – GEO) and across various frequency bands (Ku, Ka), the program seeks to achieve several key goals:

Path Agnostic Communication: The ability to switch between different constellations and service providers based on operational needs. This ensures uninterrupted communication even if individual constellations experience disruptions.
Cost-Effectiveness: Utilizing commercially available services can potentially reduce long-term costs compared to dedicated military infrastructure.
Global Coverage: Reliable communication regardless of location is crucial for military operations. CSI offers the potential for broad and consistent coverage.

DEUCSI holds immense potential for the U.S. Air Force:

Enhanced Battlefield Awareness: Improved connectivity for troops on the ground and in the air can lead to better situational awareness and faster decision-making.
Advanced Command and Control: High-bandwidth capabilities can facilitate real-time communication between commanders and troops, enabling more efficient and effective operations.
Reduced Reliance on Vulnerable Infrastructure: By diversifying communication channels, DEUCSI lessens dependence on traditional infrastructure susceptible to attack or disruption.

DEUCSI Use Cases:

The program focuses on two primary use cases:

Arctic Communications: Establishing high-speed internet connectivity in the Arctic region is currently a challenge. DEUCSI seeks solutions for fixed and mobile terminals that can switch between constellations for reliable communication, even in harsh environments.
Airborne Communications: Military aircraft require constant and secure communication across the globe. DEUCSI aims to develop user terminals for aircraft that can seamlessly switch between different CSI constellations (LEO, MEO, GEO) and frequency bands for uninterrupted data transfer.

Technology Development

The DEUCSI program isn’t directly developing new technologies, but rather experimenting with how existing technologies can be used together to achieve a new goal: flexible and adaptable military communication through commercial space internet. Here’s a breakdown of the key existing technologies involved:

Multi-Constellation Communication: The program focuses on developing technologies that enable military platforms to communicate seamlessly through multiple CSI constellations. This involves the development of hardware and software solutions capable of interfacing with different CSI providers operating in various orbital regimes, including LEO, MEO, and GEO. These technologies ensure that military platforms can maintain connectivity regardless of the satellite constellation they are accessing.
Path-Agnostic Communication: The term “path-agnostic” refers to the ability to switch between different communication paths or providers as operational and business needs change. The program aims to develop technologies that allow military platforms to switch between CSI providers quickly and efficiently, ensuring continuous communication even in dynamic and challenging operational environments.
Terminal Flexibility: The program emphasizes the development of user terminal hardware elements that are versatile and adaptable. These terminals should be capable of accessing CSI signals from multiple providers and operating across different frequency bands. The goal is to minimize the need for platform-specific hardware and enable cost-effective deployment of CSI capabilities across various military platforms.
- User Terminals: These are essentially antennas and electronics installed on military platforms (aircraft, ground vehicles) that can communicate with the satellites in the CSI constellations. The DEUCSI program is looking for user terminals with special capabilities:
  - Multi-constellation compatibility: The ability to connect with satellites from different CSI providers, not just one specific network.
  - Multi-band support: The user terminal should be able to operate on different frequency bands (Ku, Ka) used by various CSI constellations.
  - Fast switching: The user terminal needs to seamlessly switch between constellations and service providers with minimal downtime to maintain uninterrupted communication.
Frequency and Orbital Diversity: The technologies being developed aim to capitalize on the diversity of frequencies and orbital regimes offered by different CSI constellations. This includes solutions that can operate across multiple frequency bands (e.g., Ku and Ka bands) and interface with satellites in different orbits. By leveraging frequency and orbital diversity, military platforms can optimize communication performance and reliability in different operational scenarios.
Hardware Integration: The program seeks to develop technologies that facilitate the integration of CSI capabilities into military platforms. This includes the development of interface control documents for hardware elements, airworthiness documentation for airborne applications, and other technical specifications necessary for seamless integration. The goal is to ensure that CSI technologies can be effectively deployed across a range of military platforms, including aircraft, ground vehicles, and naval vessels.

Additionally, the program will rely on existing technologies for:

National Security Agency (NSA) approved encryption: This ensures secure communication of sensitive military data.
Airworthiness certification for aircraft integration: User terminals installed on aircraft need to undergo safety testing before deployment.

Overall, the technologies being developed in the program aim to enable the military to leverage the capabilities of commercial space internet for robust, flexible, and cost-effective communication in support of defense operations. These technologies represent a significant advancement in military communication capabilities, providing enhanced connectivity and resilience in an increasingly complex and contested operational environment.

Latest Status of the DEUCSI Program

Program Announcement: The DEUCSI program was initially announced in an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) released in 2017. This ARA outlined the program’s goals and invited proposals from interested parties.

Program Details: In March 2023, a public announcement provided more details about the DEUCSI program. It highlighted the program’s two main use cases and technical objectives, emphasizing the importance of leveraging commercial space internet for military communications.

DEUCSI conducted experiments with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite broadband services, achieving download speeds of 610 megabits per second into the cockpit of a C-12J Huron aircraft. Unlike traditional satellite dishes, SpaceX’s phased-array antennas enable tracking of satellites as they pass overhead, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.

The program progresses through three phases: establishing connectivity between Air Force sites using commercial demonstration satellites and terminals, expanding connectivity to various Air Force assets, and conducting special experiments to address military-specific requirements.

DEUCSI collaborates with large defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace to integrate commercial networks into military equipment. Lockheed Martin received a $3.5 million contract to develop flexible architecture for seamless switching between multiple satellite constellations, while Ball Aerospace received a $2.3 million contract to test a phased array on a ground vehicle.

SpaceX plays a significant role in DEUCSI, receiving contracts to assess Starlink’s compatibility with military platforms. SpaceX is preparing to conduct further tests of Starlink satellite internet, collaborating with Ball Aerospace to integrate antennas onto tactical aircraft.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is embarking on a series of demonstrations as part of the Defense Experimentation Using Commercial Space Internet (DEUCSI) program, aiming to equip air- and ground-based military systems with ubiquitous connectivity through commercial satellite constellations. This initiative seeks to establish resilient communications and data-sharing capabilities for warfighters, aligning with the Pentagon’s Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) concept, which aims to integrate disparate systems across the battlespace.

Initiated in 2017, DEUCSI has awarded contracts to defense contractors and commercial satcom providers to advance its objectives. Recently, AFRL awarded contracts to Northrop Grumman and L3Harris for upcoming experiments focusing on connecting military platforms with various commercial satcom constellations across different orbital regimes.

Northrop Grumman, awarded an $80.3 million contract, plans to enhance beyond-line-of-sight capabilities for air and ground forces using open system processors and antenna solutions. The company aims to test these capabilities in demonstrations with AFRL, focusing on fixed and mobile communications in the Arctic region and airborne communications.

The DEUCSI project aims to enable seamless data sharing across fixed and mobile operating locations, leveraging constantly available, high-bandwidth, beyond-line-of-sight communications. Recently, Lockheed Martin received a $12.8 million order to integrate hardware and software for additional test flights, with the F-35 joint strike fighter aircraft identified for the first flight test.

These demonstrations aim to address the limited connectivity challenges faced by the U.S. military in the Arctic, where traditional data links are unstable due to long distances. Commercial space internet constellations, particularly those in low-Earth orbit, offer the potential for more reliable connectivity. AFRL seeks terminals capable of accessing multiple constellations or switching between them seamlessly in Arctic conditions.

Additionally, AFRL is interested in connecting Air Force aircraft to multiple commercial satcom providers using common terminals, reducing the need for extensive hardware modifications. Northrop Grumman’s demonstrations will focus on achieving specific objectives to provide decision advantage in contested environments, emphasizing secure data sharing, operational synchronization, and rapid integration into airborne platforms or ground vehicles.

Related Contracts: While there haven’t been any recent updates on specific awards or developments within DEUCSI, it’s worth noting that Raytheon Technologies (RTX) was awarded a separate $31.3 million contract in March 2023. This contract was for the development of high-powered microwave (HPM) antenna systems for the Directed Energy Front-Line Electromagnetic Neutralization and Defeat (DEFEND) program. Although related to defense and utilizing similar technologies, DEUCSI and DEFEND are distinct programs.

DEUCSI aims to leverage existing commercial satcom solutions across different orbital regimes to offer cost-effective communications while ensuring resilience and scalability. By collaborating with commercial industry and leveraging security expertise, DEUCSI seeks to create a dynamic, scalable, and resilient architecture for the digital battle network, aligning with the evolving needs of modern warfare. As the program continues to evolve, we can expect further developments and advancements in the realm of military satellite communications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the utilization of commercial space internet has the potential to revolutionize military communications, providing enhanced connectivity, reliability, and flexibility for warfighters across the globe. The DEUCSI program represents a significant advancement in leveraging commercial technologies for military applications. By focusing on multi-vendor, multi-orbit, and multi-band flexibility, the program aims to ensure reliable and adaptable communication for the USAF in the ever-evolving technological landscape. With ongoing advancements in satellite technology and partnerships between government and industry, the future of military communications looks brighter than ever