MILSATCOM Systems Engineering Training by Tonex
This in-depth training program provides participants with systems engineering methods, tools, and lifecycle best practices specific to MILSATCOM (Military Satellite Communications) systems. It covers space, ground, and terminal segment integration, waveform architecture, security engineering, and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) alignment.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand MILSATCOM architecture, segments, mission types, and operational demands.
- Apply systems engineering lifecycle processes to the design and acquisition of MILSATCOM systems.
- Integrate ground, space, and terminal segments with secure, resilient waveform support.
- Assess technical requirements, interfaces, and mission needs using model-based tools.
- Evaluate trade-offs for bandwidth, resilience, latency, availability, and terminal interoperability.
- Support integration with C5ISR systems, Joint SATCOM planning tools, and future architectures (e.g., proliferated LEO).
Target Audience
This course is ideal for:
- MILSATCOM engineers and program managers
- Defense acquisition professionals (DoD 5000 Series Programs)
- Space and satellite system integrators
- Ground segment and terminal developers
- Network and waveform architects
- Electronic warfare and spectrum planners
- Mission planning and cyber professionals
- Government, industry, and FFRDC engineers
Course Modules:
Day 1 – MILSATCOM Fundamentals & System Architecture
Module 1: Introduction to MILSATCOM Systems
- Strategic, protected, wideband, and narrowband missions
- AEHF, WGS, MUOS, DSCS, GBS, and upcoming Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS)
- Evolution from point-to-point to network-centric SATCOM
- National and allied MILSATCOM assets
Module 2: MILSATCOM Architecture and Segments
- Space Segment: GEO, MEO, LEO assets and constellations
- Ground Segment: gateway terminals, network operations centers
- User Terminals: fixed, mobile, airborne, maritime, and dismounted
- Crosslink and inter-satellite data relay architecture
Module 3: Systems Engineering Process
- Requirements development and CONOPS
- Functional allocation and system decomposition
- Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
- Trade studies and architectural decisions
- Use of MBSE (Model-Based Systems Engineering)
Module 4: Waveforms, Protocols, and Modulation
- Legacy and emerging waveforms (XDR, WCDMA, PTW)
- Link budgets and fade margin planning
- Modulation/coding techniques (QPSK, TDMA, FDMA, FHSS)
- Interoperability and backward compatibility
Day 2 – System Integration, Security & Future MILSATCOM
Module 5: Integration Across Domains
- JADC2 and MILSATCOM’s role in all-domain operations
- Interoperability with terrestrial and airborne C5ISR systems
- Tactical edge and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) connectivity
- Link with airborne gateways (BACN, Global Hawk)
Module 6: Security Engineering and Cyber Resilience
- COMSEC and TRANSEC principles in SATCOM
- Anti-jam, anti-spoofing, and LPI/LPD techniques
- SATCOM cybersecurity threats and mitigations
- Supply chain risk and resilience strategies
Module 7: Mission Planning and Operations
- MILSATCOM Planning Tools (JSPOC, JDISS, etc.)
- Resource scheduling, terminal management
- SATCOM operations center functions
- In-orbit support and anomaly resolution
Module 8: Future MILSATCOM Capabilities and Roadmaps
- Proliferated LEO for tactical comms
- Hybrid architectures: commercial + military SATCOM
- Optical SATCOM, AI-based link optimization
- Trends in satellite resiliency, autonomy, and AI
Interactive Exercises and Tools
- System Block Diagram Workshop: Create a MILSATCOM system map
- Trade Study Simulation: Evaluate bandwidth vs. terminal interoperability
- Threat Modeling: Secure MILSATCOM architecture design
- Link Budget Exercise: Calculate key metrics for GEO uplink/downlink
- MBSE Demo: SysML-based representation of MILSATCOM components
Training Materials
- \Student workbook and exercises
- MILSATCOM glossary and acronym list
- DoD and NATO reference materials
- SATCOM planning checklists
- Case studies on AEHF, WGS, and MUOS
Optional Add-ons
- Knowledge assessment quiz
- Follow-up advanced modules:
- Advanced MILSATCOM Acquisition
- MILSATCOM Cybersecurity Bootcamp
- SATCOM EW & Resilience Strategies
- Space Segment Design Deep Dive