Missile-in Flight Communication Alternatives

In the Missile In Flight Communications Alternatives (MCA) Phase I SBIR, ISAC proposes to examine a variety of beyond line of site communications alternatives for missile-in-flight communications. As part of this Phase I, ISAC will examine the unique communications link requirements imposed by the "Shoutback" concept. ISAC will also examine new and emerging alternatives that will be provided by the National Security Space Transformation Communications Architecture beginning in 2006. These alternatives include Advanced Wideband, Advanced EHF, Military Users Objective System (MOUS), and high altitude airship relays. ISAC will evaluate communications alternatives in the radio frequency (RF) and Optical (LASER Communications) portions of the spectrum. In conducting an analysis of communications alternatives, ISAC will combine evaluation criteria developed by the National Space Architect and MDA unique evaluation criteria. The alternatives must provide the following minimum essential capabilities: low latency, sufficient capacity (bandwidth), adequate coverage (footprint), availability of spectrum, high reliability in the presence of Information Warfare (IW) attacks, and meet the specific form, fit and function constraints imposed on missiles in flight (size, weight, etc). The completed Phase I will result in the selection of one or more alternatives to carry forward into a Phase II proof of principle demonstration.