SBIR-STTR Award

A ship/shore combination satellite communications and video conferencing system is proposed which is designed to signal over C-Band commercial satellites using an 0.8 meter antenna. The project will involve the development of a C Band maritime satellite communications terminal using spread spectrum code division multiple access signalling over C-Band frequencies. The maritime terminal will signal at up to 64kbps. As part of the Project, it will be integrated with existing 64kbps videoteleconferencing system to demonstrate a ship/shore teletraining application. The Phase I objectives are: 1. Development of system design for the combined satellite and video teleconferencing system. 2. Development of detailed product / design plans for the CDMA satellite terminal including analytic verification that the CDMA waveform and proposed 0.8m antenna will meet technical objectives especially non-interference to adjacent satellites. 3. Analysis and verification that the proposed approach will achieve significant operational cost savings over current systems such as Inmarsat B.

A ship-shore combination satellite communications and video configuring system is proposed which is designed to provide remote tele-training and technical support to Navy ships and has numerous commercial applications. The Project involves the development of a C-Band maritime satellite communications terminal using spread spectrum waveform to permit a significant reduction in shipboard antenna size. The maritime terminal will provide voice, facsimile and high speed data (64kbps) communications. As part of the project we will integrate with a Desktop VTC system and conduct a ship shore demonstration. Project Objectives: 1. Develop a ship-shore video teletraining and technical support capabilty which will provide support to navy ships in the operatiion, support and maintenance of new and existing systems. 2. Provide improved timeless of support and cost savings as compared to current technical support methods. 3. Provide a bi-directional video-teleconferencing capability. 4. Provide a solution which provides satellite voice and video communications to a much larger variety of platforms based on reduction in ship?s antenna size achieved. Phase II Firm Effort: 1. Complete detailed system design and evaluate Desktop VTC systems for the application. 2. Develop the proposed C-Band spread spectrum satellite terminal Below Decks Equipment and 1.2M stabilized antenna platform. 3. Implement the proposed 64kbps CDMA spread spectrum signaling waveform in the terminal and compatible earth station equipment. 4. Integrate and test the complete Satellite Desktop Video Teleconferencing System. Phase II Option Effort: 1. Integrate high speed data mode with Comsec.. 2. Conduct shipboard simulator tests and at sea demonstration on designated Navy ship.