3C

Question 1

___ includes those systems
(space, control, and terminal segments) owned and operated by the Department of Defense.

Answer 1

MILSATCOM

Question 2

MILSATCOM also includes ___ gateways (to include DoD gateways) and ___ gateways.

Answer 2

enterprise
service

Question 3

___ encompasses DoD-leased bandwidth, DoD-owned or leased commercial-band terminals and gateways landing DoD missions, and COMSATCOM used by the Department of Defense but provided by commercial entities using commercial terminals.

Answer 3

COMSATCOM

Question 4

To understand SATCOM you must understand the three distinct segments of satellite
communications and the different subsystems of which they are comprised. Those three segments are:

Answer 4

• Space Segment
• Command and Control Segment
• Terminal Segment

Question 5

This segment is comprised of the space vehicles that carry satellite communications
payloads.

Answer 5

Space Segment

Question 6

“___” are groups of satellites.

Answer 6

Constellations

Question 7

___ are diverse and complex pieces of equipment that perform a specific function
for a specific length of time (service life).

Answer 7

Satellites

Question 8

All satellites consist of at least five subsystems housed within a framework known as the “___”.

Answer 8

bus

Question 9

The “___” contains the support vehicle and all the control subsystems that allow the satellite to function.

Answer 9

bus

Question 10

What are the five subsystems of Satellites?

Answer 10

Those subsystems are the power subsystem, the propulsion subsystem, the telemetry, tracking, and control (TT&C) subsystem, the beacon subsystem, and the communications subsystem.

Question 11

The bus is the ___ or composite structure of the satellite spacecraft.

Answer 11

metal

Question 12

The ___ is the framework that holds all of the components together as one integral unit that allows the satellite to function in the vacuum of space. The ___ must be strong enough to withstand launch, yet light enough to not
restrict payload weight.

Answer 12

bus

Question 13

The ___ ___ generates and regulates the power required by the satellite systems to operate.

Answer 13

power subsystem

Question 14

The most common type of power subsystem in use today is a combination of

Answer 14

large solar panels and rechargeable batteries

Question 15

Most satellites use an onboard ___ ___ to correct launch vehicle injection errors and perform periodic position changes for different Earth coverage patterns. ___ ___ also aid in stabilizing a satellite against atmospheric drag, gravity from the Moon, and other external factors.

Answer 15

propulsion subsystem

Question 16

The ability to collect data remotely.

Answer 16

Telemetry

Question 17

This subsystem enables controllers on the ground to monitor the spacecraft and its
subsystems. The ___ subsystem can execute commands sent from the Control Segment and
send its own data back to the control segment to ensure optimum performance.

Answer 17

Telemetry, Tracking and Control (TT&C)

Question 18

This subsystem is a fixed frequency signal transmitted from the satellite that enables the control segment to determine a spacecraft’s position in space. Controllers use this data to calculate the look angle of a terminal’s antenna to the satellite.

Answer 18

Beacon

Question 19

This subsystem allows the satellite to send radio signals between terminals or between other satellites.

Answer 19

Communications

Question 20

Communications satellites are equipped with ___.

Answer 20

transponders

Question 21

A transponder is similar to a
transceiver in that it receives a signal and retransmits it. However, instead of using the same frequency, transponders change the frequency they send back down from the frequency they initially received. These signals are known as ___ frequencies and ___frequencies.

Answer 21

downlink and uplink

Question 22

The ___ ___ ___ segment consists of the systems on the ground that are responsible for sending commands to and from the satellite.

Answer 22

command and control segment

Question 23

Satellites are constantly monitored and maintained
through the ___ ___ to keep them functioning properly.

Answer 23

control segment

Question 24

The control segment is responsible for ___ ___ ___ including spacecraft control, payload control, and communications network control.

Answer 24

overall system operation

Question 25

The ___ subsystem is heavily involved in managing these different controls and facilitates the sending and receiving of commands and data from ground controllers.

Answer 25

TT&C

Question 26

What are the three different types of controls that fall under the Command and Control Segment?

Answer 26

Spacecraft Control
Payload Control
Network Control

Question 27

This control includes the stabilization, maneuvering, repositioning, and the proper
functioning of the systems onboard the entire spacecraft.

Answer 27

Spacecraft

Question 28

This control involves operation and control of the payload on the spacecraft. The ___ is
the primary reason a spacecraft is in orbit in the first place. Where spacecraft control refers to the body of the spacecraft (the bus), ___ control refers to the inner workings of the spacecraft (beacon and/or communications subsystems).

Answer 28

Payload

Question 29

This control encompasses satellite control and monitoring stations. Control and monitoring stations are necessary for keeping the spacecraft functioning in orbit and are strategically located
around the world to perform spacecraft and payload control.

Answer 29

Network

Question 30

This segment encompasses the personnel, equipment, and
facilities that use the capabilities provided by the satellite payload.

Answer 30

Terminal

Question 31

Can terminals operate practically anywhere?

Answer 31

Yes - such as at fixed bases, on ground vehicles, ships and/or aircraft.