This study explores the potential challenges to US military adoption of small satellite constellations into its space architecture. It begins by analyzing the different small satellite constellations that are currently being proposed or deployed on orbit. The history of US policy and acquisition strategies towards remote sensing systems and commercial satellite communications is then explored in detail. Case studies tracing the consolidation of the remote sensing industry down to just one company and the bankruptcy and reemergence ofthe first commercial satellite constellation, Iridium, are analyzed for lessons that can be applied to future acquisition strategies. Detailed analysis of the problems with current and historical approaches to acquiring both remote sensing and commercial satellite communications follow the historical study. The research concludes with recommendations on how to better posture the US military to properly leverage the emerging technology of small satellite constellations and the difficulties of denying their use to adversaries.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Small Revolution in Space: An Analysis of the Challenges to US Military Adoption of Small Satellite Constellations


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2017


    Size :

    141 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Military Missions for Small Satellite Constellations

    Lawrence, T. J. / France, M. E. B. / International Space University | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2002


    Military Missions for Small Satellite Constellations

    Lawrence, T. J. / France, M. E. B. | Springer Verlag | 2002


    Small Satellite Constellations: National Security Implications

    Roberts, Mark / Beischl, Christoph / Mosteshar, Sa’id | Springer Verlag | 2020


    Small Satellite Constellations for Earth Observation

    da Silva Curiel, Alex / Gomes, Luis / Morgan, Kevin et al. | AIAA | 2004


    Interlink and coverage analysis for small satellite constellations

    Cuollo, Marco / Ortore, Emiliano / Bunkheila, Federico et al. | SAGE Publications | 2013