Pretty sure you can't get worldwide coverage with 2 GEO satellites...Space Force wants to trim missile warning satellite programhttps://www.defensenews.com/battlefield-tech/space/2023/03/14/space-force-wants-to-trim-missile-warning-satellite-program/"WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force’s fiscal 2024 budget proposes cutting one of five satellites from its Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared fleet, according to Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman."
Russian and China and even North Korea have missile subs.Depending on capability (of both the missile and the sub… which in NK’s case is not overwhelming for either), that means potentially the launches could come from anywhere on the 75% of the world’s surface which is water.
Areas south of the equator, especially places like the South Indian Ocean are not well situated for launching SLBM's. So positioning a GEO bird to cover it might not make the beam counters cut. Having two satellites in Molniya orbit combined with GEO coverage could provide sufficient coverage of all other areas of interest. Of course, if I was India or Australia, I might take a dim view of suggestion of such limited coverage.
The Space Force decided a “two-by-two” constellation — meaning two polar and two GEO satellites — would be “sufficient to ensure that the mission did not have any gaps,” he said.
Back to 3 GEO birds?Lockheed Martin Space, Sunnyvale, California, has been awarded a $122,213,602 modification (P00102) to contract FA8810-18-C-0005 to plan and prepare for post-launch activities for all three Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Geosynchronous Space Vehicles. This contract provides for development of adequate program protection, and product support planning. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $7,225,147,630. Work will be performed at Sunnyvale, California, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2024. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $28,727,026 are being obligated at the time of award. The U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command, Space Sensing, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the contracting activity.
Why would a replacement satellite system need a new relay capability?
Quote from: Targeteer on 06/05/2023 07:26 pmWhy would a replacement satellite system need a new relay capability?These are early warning missile detection satellites, need reliable comms.