Satellite and Ground Segment Technology The Key To Military Applications

Satellite technology has played a crucial role in military applications for several decades, providing reliable and secure communication capabilities to armed forces around the world. The ground segment technology that supports these satellite systems is an essential component of this infrastructure, enabling the transmission of information between ground stations and satellites. In recent years, there has been a growing need for small and mid-sized European nations to have access to secure defence-grade waveform technologies to protect against emerging security threats. This editorial will focus on the importance of ground segment technology in military satellite communications and how it can be utilized to provide secure defencegrade satellite waveforms to smaller nations.

Ground segment technology plays a vital role in military satellite communications systems. It consists of a network of ground-based equipment, including antennas, modems, amplifiers, and other devices, that support satellite communications. Ground stations act as intermediaries between satellites and end-users, facilitating the transmission of information between them. They are responsible for receiving signals from satellites, decoding them, and relaying them to the appropriate user terminals. Ground segment technology also provides essential functions, such as signal processing, tracking, and control, which are necessary for the successful operation of satellite systems.

Military applications of satellite communications have been instrumental in modern warfare, providing crucial communication capabilities to military personnel in remote locations. Satellites can support various communication modes, including voice, video, and data, making it possible to communicate securely and reliably with troops deployed in challenging environments. In addition, satellite communications can also be used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes, enabling military forces to gather information about enemy activities and movements. Satellite communications technology has become so critical to military operations that it is now considered a strategic asset. However, the use of satellite communications technology in military applications also raises concerns about security and resiliency. The transmission of sensitive information over satellite systems requires the use of secure encryption and protection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, to mitigate (manmade) interference and mask satcom traffic activity. Defence-grade satellite waveforms are used to protect against such security threats, and it is essential for smaller nations to have access to these technologies to protect their military communications from cyber-attacks and other forms of electronic warfare.

The development and deployment of defence-grade waveforms require significant investment in research and development. It involves the creation of encryption algorithms and protection mechanisms that are capable of withstanding sophisticated attacks from hostile actors. These technologies are often developed by large defence contractors and are typically only available to larger nations with significant defence budgets. As a result, smaller nations may struggle to access these technologies and may be more vulnerable to security threats.

Advancements in ground segment technology can provide new opportunities for smaller nations to access secure defence-grade waveforms and technology. One such example is the use of software-defined (SD) modems in satellite communications.

SD modems are a type of baseband communication system that uses software to define the modem’s operating parameters. They can be reprogrammed and updated remotely, allowing for the deployment of new security measures and encryption algorithms without the need for hardware modifications.

SD modems can also be used to provide waveform diversity, which is the ability to use multiple communication modes simultaneously. By using different waveforms for different types of communication, such as voice and data, it is possible to increase the security of satellite communications. Waveform diversity makes it more difficult for hostile actors to intercept and decode communications, as they would need to have knowledge of multiple encryption algorithms and communication modes.

Another advantage of SD modems is their ability to operate on multiple frequency bands when paired with multi-band/frequency/orbit satellite terminals. By using different frequency bands for different types of communication, it is possible to increase the resilience of satellite systems against jamming and interference. Hostile actors often use jamming and interference tactics to disrupt satellite communications, but by using multiple frequency band modems and terminals, it is possible to switch between transponders, satellites or constellations to maintain communication capabilities even in the face of such attacks.

Satellite communications have become an integral part of modern warfare, with an ever-increasing number of military applications relying on this technology. With the increasing security threats to small and midsized European nations, the need for secure and accessible defence-grade waveforms (Earth station in the Polar region) has become more critical than ever.

The ground segment of a satellite communication system comprises the infrastructure on the ground that supports satellite communication. This includes the antennas, satellite modems, and network management software. The ground segment technology is critical to ensuring that the satellite communication system operates optimally and provides reliable and secure communication services. In addition to military applications, satellite communications also have significant commercial and civilian applications. These include satellite television and radio broadcasting, internet connectivity, and disaster management and relief. However, the increased reliance on satellite communication systems has also led to concerns about their vulnerability to cyber-attacks and other security threats. The ground segment of a satellite communication system is particularly vulnerable, as it is located on the ground and therefore more accessible to potential attackers. A cyber-attack on the ground segment can result in the compromise of the entire satellite communication system, which could have significant implications for both military and civilian applications.

To address these security concerns, defence-grade waveforms has been developed. Defence-grade waveforms provide a secure and resilient communication channel that is inaccessible to unauthorized parties. This technology is designed to provide the highest level of security for military communications, ensuring that critical information is protected from potential attacks.

The deployment of defence-grade satellite waveforms are not limited to large countries with significant military budgets. Small and mid-sized European nations can also access this technology, provided that they have the necessary infrastructure and expertise. One example of a small nation that has successfully deployed defence-grade EPW is Estonia. Estonia, a country of just 1.3 million people, has invested heavily in its defence capabilities in recent years, including the deployment of defencegrade waveforms. The Estonian government has recognized the importance of secure communication channels for its military operations and has therefore made significant investments in this area. The country has developed its own defence-grade waveform, which is now fully operational and provides secure communication services for military applications. The Estonian example shows that small and mid-sized European nations can also access secure defence-grade waveforms, provided that they are willing to make the necessary investments. However, it is not just a matter of investing in the technology itself; these countries also need to have the necessary expertise to operate and maintain the technology. This requires the development of a skilled workforce, which can be a significant challenge for small and mid-sized nations. To address this challenge, European countries could work together to develop a regional approach to defence-grade waveforms. This could involve the pooling of resources and expertise to develop and deploy defence-grade waveforms across the region. By working together, small and mid-sized European nations could access this critical technology without having to make significant investments on their own.

European countries to work together to develop the European Protected Waveform (EPW)

Secure and resilient satellite communications are an important aspect of modern military operations and defense strategy. European countries have recognized the need to work together to develop the European Protected Waveform (EPW) through the European Defence Funds (EDF) initiative.

Bio: Koen Willems

VP, EU Programs & Government Relations, ST Engineering iDirect

Koen Willems holds the position of VP EU Programs and Government Relations at ST Engineering iDirect Europe, a market leader in satellite communication technologies. Koen provides his expertise in EU government programs through the Belgian legal entity (proxy) organisation

ST Engineering iDirect (Europe) CY

NV leveraging the EU footprint and installed base in ground segment satellite networks (www.idirect.net/ st-engineering-idirect-europe). On top of his EU activities, Koen defines and develops ST Engineering iDirect’s global strategy for the government and defense market.

Koen Willems has more than 25 years’ experience working in the technology industry. Before joining ST Engineering iDirect in 2008 he was Product Marketing Manager for Europe at the electronics giant TOSHIBA.

Koen has a master’s degree in English and Scandinavian Languages from Ghent University and a master’s degree in Marketing Strategy and Management from Vlekho Business School.

His expertise in the government and defense satellite market has grown through the involvement in different large (EU) programs as well as frequent interactions with the end-user community and a range of topic-related degrees such as the ‘High Studies in Security and Defence’ degree at the Belgian Royal Higher Institute for Defence, the ‘European Session for Armament Officials’ degree at the French National Institute of Higher Defense and the ‘European Advanced Strategy Course on Security and Defense’ degree at the Egmont Institute, IHEDN and BAKS.

You may know Koen as a GovDef satcom technology evangelist through his regular appearance in editorials in satellite focused publications, white papers and speaking slots at conferences around the world.

Interview Koen Willems

VP, EU Programs & Government Relations, ST Engineering iDirect

Can you tell us more about the European Protected Waveform? What is it and why is it needed?

In today’s military applications supported by satellite communications, high data rates, security, resilience, information assurance and link efficiency technologies are inextricably linked. Military operations are becoming more complex as conflict areas grow more dispersed on a global scale, with a growing need to support a diversity of on-the-move, on-thepause and fixed platforms on land, in the air and at sea over both GEO and multi-orbit satellite constellations. Current secure and tactical satellite communication waveform solutions are expensive, inefficient and do not allow them to be interoperable amongst multiple vendors.

The European Protected Waveform (EPW) is built around four cornerstones: agile, secure, affordable and interoperable satellite communications. The EPW will be developed in tandem with current and future requirements for military and secure operations considering upcoming disruptive technologies, EU initiatives such as GovSatCom and IRIS 2 and multi-layered security and resiliency solutions.

As such the EPW is accessible to small, mid-sized, and large European nations seeking to embrace todays and future challenges related to increased throughput demand over satellite, dispersed operations, mobility, and new security threats. Through disruptive innovative technology coming from key stakeholders in EU industry and universities, the EPW addresses the growing demand for European autonomy.

Who are the stakeholders involved in the project?

The stakeholders, a mix of large companies, SMEs and universities come from 11 nations across the continent

In January 2023, a consortium of companies and institutions kicked off the European Protected Waveform project with the end goal of enabling the interoperability of tactical satellite communications. In this interview, Koen Willems, VP, EU Programs & Government Relations, ST Engineering iDirect, explains why this waveform is so important and how it will be delivered.

How long will the project run for?

The Consortium will work together over a period of 39 months to design the waveform and accompanying technologies for resilient and secure satellite communications. It will comprise two phases: the design phase and the certification and productization phase.

How will the project be funded?

including Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Croatia, Italy, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands Poland, Spain and Romania.

The triple helix approach to the program will ensure the waveform benefits from the shared experience and expertise of government, educational institutions, and industry to deliver an end result that is of the highest standard. The project is being led by us at ST Engineering iDirect Europe. The development of waveforms has always been part of our company’s DNA, seeking the best balance between efficiency, agility and security.

The coming together of these key companies and institutions, with their combined knowledge and experience will equip European countries with highly reliable, seamless satcoms to ensure that they can communicate with confidence and security no matter where they operate.

The project will be co-funded by the European Defence Fund and the participating nations.

Why is the project so important?

The EPW will become Europe’s sovereign satcom waveform, future-proofing satellite capabilities for European countries and promoting interoperability across European agencies ensuring its deployment in joint operations. The waveform will be agile, secure and resilient but also affordable so that smaller nations will also be able to take advantage of its capabilities.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.