2017 MILCOM

Plenary Address: The State of MILSATCOM (Room 307)

23 Oct 17
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Tracks: Keynotes, USAF Space and Missile Systems Center MILSATCOM

Presentation will describe the Air Force MILSATCOM Directorate and scope, current priorities, and plans for the future. The Air Force MILSATCOM Directorate develops, tests, deploys and sustains the satellite based communication systems used by DoD, other US government departments and agencies, and a growing number of International Partners (IPs) and Allies. In addition, the MILSATCOM Directorate is experiencing enormous growth as we continue to execute current programs, prepare the next generation of programs, and transform the organization for the larger workload assigned to MILSATCOM. Presentation will explain MILSATCOM Directorate priorities: 1) sustain and execute our Programs of Record (PORs), 2) define the next generation of programs and 3) prepare the organization, people and processes, for the larger workload tasked to the Directorate. POR execution will describe the status of the current programs including our recent and upcoming launches; our development successes and challenges, and the sustainment of our currently deployed systems. Presentation will then discuss the next generation of MILSATCOM programs being stood up to replace the current systems with initial launches expected in the mid and late 2020s. Presentation will also touch on the Commercial Satellite pathfinder and pilot programs which are attempting to reduce user costs dramatically while expanding their flexibility and effectiveness for the US and International customers. Lastly, the presentation will discuss the organizational initiatives being implemented as the MILSATCOM Directorate faces the challenge of doubling its workload.