Boeing Proves Technology For Future Military Satellite System

The Boeing Co [BA] and Hughes Network Systems [HUGHES] demonstrated the space-based delivery of MP-3 files, a streaming video multi-cast and voice over Internet protocol services to a government audience.

The work with a commercial satellite demonstrates the capabilities for use in a military satellite system, according to Boeing.

This validates key elements of the Boeing communications approach for the Transformational Satellite Communications Space Segment (TSAT SS) program, according to the company.

Boeing and Hughes demonstrated the functionality of the digital processor on the Hughes SPACEWAY satellite during a series of live, over-the-air tests at Hughes headquarters in Germantown, Md.

Boeing currently leads a team that is pursuing the space segment of the TSAT program. TSAT is a major element of a secure, high-capacity global communications network that will serve the Department of Defense (DOD). Hughes provides the Boeing TSAT team with demonstrated network expertise based on years of satellite system development on the VSAT, Thuraya Mobile Sat and SPACEWAY systems.

Boeing’s fourth generation digital processor has the processing power of 10,000 Pentium IV chips and already is in use on SPACEWAY, a high-power Boeing 702 spacecraft. The processor is designed to field and manage large amounts of data as a part of a broader network. It also has the inherent capability to multicast data to other terminals that have joined a multicast group.

Supported by a constellation of satellites in geosynchronous orbit, TSAT SS will provide the backbone for the DOD high-bandwidth networked communications system. Boeing received the Risk Reduction and System Definition contract in January 2004, and DOD is expected to select the ultimate system provider in 2008.