Multi-band integrated satellite terminal (MIST) - a key to future SOTM for the Army

The US Army's communications capability must keep pace with the evolution of a globally deployable joint task force (JTF) and force projection army, while supporting forced entry and contingency operations. The warfighter must have the freedom and flexibility to move quickly on the battlefield using a communications terminal that is tactically responsive, mobile and interoperable and provides SATCOM-on-the-move (SOTM) and SATCOM-on-the-pause (SOTP) capability. PM MILSATCOM is helping to define this next generation army SATCOM terminal that is referred to as the multi-band integrated satellite terminal (MIST) and is currently scheduled to be fielded in several phases out to 2014. In so doing, PM MILSATCOM initiated several studies to define the MIST program better, help formulate the acquisition strategy, validate the MIST funding schedule and initiate Government cost estimates for the MIST program. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the key findings of the study performed by the MITRE Corporation in support of PM MILSATCOM. Our focus here is to summarize the notional terminal architecture design options postulated in that study and to identify the key technology areas that need to be advanced in order to ensure successful operation of the MIST terminal.