Potential applications of the ORBCOMM global messaging system to US military operations

摘要

The author presents a detailed description of the components, architecture, links, and operations of the ORB COMM global messaging and position determination system. ORB COMM is the first commercial venture to offer worldwide personal communications service (PCS) using non-voice-non-geostationary (NVNG) low earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. Link budget analyses of the system's satellite up and down links are presented. The author analyzes ORB COMM's proprietary multiple access scheme for random access channel interference and describes how the system's modified ALOHA protocol achieves a higher throughput than pure or slotted ALOHA based systems. Several commercial and DoD applications of the system are discussed, including beaconing, data exchange, tracking, and two way messaging. Specific DoD applications of ORBCOMM include combat sea-alr rescue (CSAR) and deployable communications networks for use in operations other than war (OOTW). With DoD taking. an active role as a cooperative partner, ORB COMM can satisfy the need for a low-cost, commercial space-based system to enhance US military global communications