U.S. pushes ahead with long-delayed T-Sat acquisition

摘要

The U.S. Air Force will press forward with plans to develop a constellation of laser-linked communications satellites that is expected to play a key role in carrying future intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance data following completion of a recent study of alternatives to the program, according to a senior service official. No significant changes are in store for the Transformational Satellite (T-Sat) Communications System's capabilities following the review, which wrapped up in June, said Gary Payton, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for space programs. However, some of the plans for how T-Sat will be employed have evolved somewhat, Payton said. The Air Force still plans to put up four satellites, with one satellite as a ground spare, Payton said. However, the satellites will likely incorporate more connections for airborne ISR users, with less support to tactical users who are on the move, Payton said.