Over-the-Horizon Transmitter for Autonomous Ground-Based Observations

There is a need for the development of an over-the-horizon (OTH) communicator to transmit data from various types of autonomous ground-based observations (AGOs) such as biological/chemical, meteorological, audio/video surveillance, communicationmonitoring/decoying and vehicle/personnel movement sensors. Both deployment and operation of these sensors are generally required to be covert. The sensors must be small in size and must transmit their information to users located at considerable distancesfrom the sensor. As a result, NAL Research is proposing the development of a miniature satellite communicator employing commercial low-Earth orbit satellite network. Satellite modems can be extremely useful in many applications. Ships, airplanes andtrucks have relied on geostationary satellites to provide mobile satellite services for years. Now, LEO satellite data link system will soon make mobile satellite services available for individuals. Any type of transmission, internet connection, voice,fax, data or paging, will soon be able to reach its destination anywhere on the planet. The system will simplify communications for business professionals such as salespeople, field producers and reporters for television networks, construction engineerssending plan revisions, oil-company geologists uploading test results, just to name a few. People who live in thinly populated areas that will never be covered by regular cellular phone service, travelers, private pilots, yachtsmen and disaster reliefteams will benefit from the LEO satellite-based data link system as well.