Called 'Satcom on the Pause' (SOTP) to illustrate that connections need only be made while units are stationary rather than on the move, the project involved fitting vehicles with satellite antennas capable of automatic satellite pointing. The system is easy to install on virtually any type of vehicle, ideal for military users who must work in extreme conditions with a minimum of resources.
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These Mobile Field Stations (image right) were then integrated with DVB-RCS (Digital Video Broadcasting - Return Channel via Satellite) terminals supplied by the Canadian company Advantech Satellite Networks. The Mobile Field Stations, a stationary station and headquarters were all connected to each other via AmerHis. |
Regenerative payloads ideal solutions for military users
AmerHis is a 'regenerative payload' carried aboard Amazonas, a satellite from the Madrid based satellite operator HISPASAT. Regenerative payloads are a great advance over 'transparent payloads'. In the latter, users transmit first to a satellite, which then transmits the signal to a Hub station. This Hub station forwards the signal back to the satellite, which then finally transmits the signal to the recipient. This is called a 'double-hop' transmission, because the signal 'hops' once from the satellite to the Hub station and then 'hops' again to the final recipient.
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The regenerative payload aboard AmerHis omits the Hub Station and enables a 'single-hop' transmission (image left). Single-hop transmissions allow real-time voice and video services as well as reducing the amount of bandwidth used. |
What the capabilities of AmerHis can mean for military users like the German Army is that individual units in the field can communicate directly with each other. This is especially useful in many critical situations, such as during disaster relief operations where the terrestrial infrastructure is either damaged or otherwise not available.
Similarly, AmerHis supports the DVB-RCS standard, which ensures interoperability between teams from various countries and organisations. DVB-RCS systems also support many different applications like video or telemedicine, which require high data capacity.
Another advantage offered to military units comes in the form of low operating costs. Because military units are only deployed on an occasional basis, it is unnecessary for expensive bandwidth to be allocated permanently. AmerHis is a flexible satellite system, which makes bandwidth allocation on-demand.
For more on the advantages of AmerHis click under related links at the top-right of this page.
Field trialsIABG carried out trials in Germany earlier this year. These trials showed that the Amazonas satellite and the AmerHis payload could be used in the envisaged scenarios by military planners. Another demonstration is planned for later this summer by the Spanish military during CWID 2006 (Coalition Warrior Interoperability Demonstration), a large high-tech military exercise that demonstrates technology for improved communications, command and control.
The SOTP project received technical support from ESA Telecom and HISPASAT in the form of capacity aboard AmerHis; Alcatel Alenia Spazio from Spain offered expertise.
As a result of this project, ESA obtained very useful feedback and is further encouraged that it could facilitate co-operation with a military organisation in addressing the important area of human security.
AMAZONAS satellite image ESA
other images IABG
