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Captain Denbow has illustrated several ways in which the surface warfare community can exploit existing space assets more effectively in performing its daily tasks. To those who believe that space is for the future, he has demonstrated that the future is now.
But even a future has a future. Surface warfare and space systems must evolve synergistically in order to counter successfully tomorrow’s threat. Naval officers must pay closer attention to the capabilities that space systems—ours and theirs—provide, and they must learn to use our space assets, separately and collectively, as an integral part of the battle force.
We must focus our attention on the implications of the currently approved and conceptual space systems on future battle force strategies now.
Space systems have several significant attributes in common. They provide global coverage, furnish global connectivity, and are capable of furnishing specific local and wide-area timely information to support the local commander anywhere on the earth’s surface. Space systems can simultaneously view large portions of the earth, and yet provide high local resolution when required. As a rule, space systems do not require radiation from their surface customers to be effective; therefore, they can serve as the eyes and ears of a silent fleet.
Space assets cannot be readily hidden. Their positions are highly predictable, and the fact that they are radiating is not easy to deny.
Consequently, space systems are vulnerable, but no more so than other military assets. On the other hand, the price for any adversary of attacking these systems is relatively high, in terms of weapon cost and in tipping off intentions.
Given these characteristics, space systems can help the most in the following problem areas:
- Worldwide secure, jam proof, high-data rate, and survivable communications
- Worldwide accurate positioning data
- Worldwide timely information covering the atmospheric and oceanic environment
- Worldwide electromagnetic radia tion control (EMCON)-independent timely airplane and ship surveillance data of targeting quality, including discrimination of targets and battle-damage assessment
In all likelihood, there will not be a single solution to some of these complex problems. Rather, we will evolve a series of complementary procedures and hardware enhancements that will improve our ability to execute the surface warfare task. The space systems described here will surely be among those that endure the test of time and usefulness.
Near-term Prospects: The Global Positioning System (GPS)* will become operational in 1988. The basic 18-satellite constellation will provide nearly instantaneous, threedimensional navigation fixes anywhere on the globe, with a guaranteed precision of 16 meters or bet
ter, for all but the least expensive receivers. Imagine what this capability will do for the gridlock problem. Once GPS becomes operational, all subscribers to the Navy tactical data system nets will be able to exchange their data using a common, high-precision reference system. The Joint Tactical Information Data System (JTIDS) nets will need only one subscriber with GPS equipment in order for all to obtain absolute own-position data with GPS accuracy. Spotting teams ashore will now be able to call for supporting fire using this same common grid. All of this will be achieved with passive receivers. A useful by-product of GPS will be the capability for all subscribers to achieve unprecedented precision in time synchronization.
Milstar represents a jam-resistant, communications capability with a low probability of being intercepted that will become operational in the
individual ship or unit. It is an operations function, not that of the intelligence or communications community.
The surface warfare officer community is the single biggest user of tactical space assets, not just in the Navy, but within the entire Department of Defense. We must increase our effectiveness in using these capabilities. From accession sources, through all tactical training, to periodic refreshers prior to specific operations, space capabilities must be incorporated into all of our training until the thought of not using space assets is as foreign as the idea of not using the embarked LAMPS.
The tactical employment of space does not have to be shrouded behind the closed doors of a dark castle under the control of Darth Vader. You can bet any potential enemy you face when your ship goes in harm’s way will be using his space capabilities to the fullest.
early 1990s. This system will be deployed on board both surface ships and submarines, as well as in selected strategic aircraft. Its resistance to jamming, achieved through a highly sophisticated waveform, will allow the battle force commander to have great confidence in his ability to sustain voice and data hnks in the presence of a determined adversary. The narrow beam Permits the commander to maintain communications with little fear of detection.
, The Navy Remote Ocean Sens- 'ng System (NROSS), an environment-sensing spacecraft, will be °Perational in the early 1990s. Among other things, it will provide an accurate picture of winds, sea state, precipitation intensity, ice Margins, and surface temperatures. These data will provide a timely uPdate of the master data base which is used for global predichons. Knowledge of the winds, sea state, and precipitation has direct application to effective over-the- horizon (OTH) targeting, while knowledge of the sea surface temperatures will significantly enhance °nr antisubmarine warfare (ASW) capabilities.
Looking Ahead: Given the precise navigational data which GPS Can provide, imagine what a small receiver installed in a Harpoon, Tomahawk, or even in a longer range antisurface warfare weapon could do for the OTH problem, especially when coupled with the surveillance and command, control, and communications capability also furnished by space systems. Inexpensive future GPS equipment could also be used to locate drifting sonobuoys. A constantly supported network would no longer be required. Barriers could be established and monitored at sufficient range from the battle force to provide early warning of both surface and subsurface threats. These data could possibly even be sufficient for targeting.
Recently, the Navy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency demonstrated the use of an airborne laser to transmit data to a submarine at operational depths. A satellite-based global laser communication system promises the battle group commander the opportunity to communicate directly with his most effective ASW weapon, an attack submarine. LAMPS helicopters and real-time coordination of submarines will make a potent combination.
One of the most intriguing concepts currently under discussion is the use of a space-based radar for aircraft and ship detection, tracking, and targeting. Once we provide a global radar picture from space, the battle force commander will be able to establish a meaningful EMCON without having to accept the unacceptable risk of being surprised. Infrared detection from space forms a natural complement to radar by augmenting the detection of aircraft and missiles. Detecting raids at an early point in their mission will allow the optimal alignment of the antiair warfare axis and permit the most effective
use of the Aegis system.
Finally, there is another side to the role of space in naval warfare. Since no one has a corner on technology, the battle force commander must be provided with the tools to counter his adversaries’ space systems. Some of these tools already exist, and others are being considered for future introduction into the fleet.
The Opportunity: In the not-too- distant future, space systems will enable a battle force commander to maneuver with full knowledge of coming weather and oceanic conditions and own-force positions, to set a true EMCON, to detect and track his adversary, to distinguish his adversary from noncombatants, to target his weapons prior to engagement, and to obtain a battle- damage assessment afterward. Throughout this evolution, he will be able to maintain communications with his own forces, the national command authorities, other services, and our allies.
These capabilities will have a profound impact on the tactics and strategies of the future. It is not too soon for naval officers to begin thinking about the impact of the fourth warfare arena—space—in planning their missions.
*The Global Positioning System Satellite is pictured.
Commodore Mattingly was the Command Module Pilot on Apollo 16 and the Mission Commander of the first Department of Defense flight of the STS51 -C. He is currently Director, Space Program, under the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.
The next time you are standing on the fantail, watching Ihe wake stretch away to infinity on a moonlit night, pause f°r a second and look at the stars. You should remember that the nearest 5,000 objects in space were put there by rr|an, and not all of them mean you well. Learn to use the good ones and dodge the bad ones. The successful employment of your unit (or force) may well depend on how 'vell you use space.
Captain Denbow was commissioned in 1963 after graduating from Purdue University with a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in statistical communications. He has served in a variety of command-and-control billets, including AAW/C1C/NTDS officer on the staffs of Cruiser-Destroyer Flotillas Seven and Nine, and commanding officer of an E-2C Hawkeye squadron. Captain Denbow also served on the staff of Battle Force/Carrier Striking Force Seventh Fleet (CTF-70/-77) as CIC officer. Following that tour, he attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces prior to reporting to his current assignment to the Naval Space Command as the Director of Operations.