Space: Advancing low earth orbit satellite communication in contested environments

Problem statement

DND LEO communications supporting operations in contested space environments are increasingly challenged by various forms of malicious radio frequency (RF) interference. Additionally, massive machine-type communications between terrestrial and orbiting devices contribute to interference and exacerbate communication degradation through dense LEO constellations and orbits. Advanced beam forming techniques are evolving rapidly to address these challenges, alongside solutions such as cognitive spectrum sensing, waveform design, redundant satellites and multiple communication paths. Yet, the applicability and performance of these solutions under adversarial spectrum conditions in LEO communication networks remain insufficiently understood.

This challenge aims to advance resilient LEO SATCOM technology through testbed experimentation, generating empirical data and insights to inform future anti-jamming techniques, interference mitigation strategies, and resilient network architectures for defense applications. The R&D experiments must apply advanced resilient communication strategies including but not limited to adaptive beam steering and shaping techniques, and must measure performance under various adversarial interference conditions on LEO SATCOM links. Novel algorithms, techniques and use cases which achieve resilience at the link level and extend to coordinated control across multiple endpoints at the network level are solicited. Emphasis is on delivering innovative solutions to counter advanced, targeted electromagnetic interference techniques, through high fidelity laboratory and field experimentation that yields scientifically rigorous empirical data and analysis to characterize the behavior and performance of LEO SATCOM systems. Communication persistency, real-time throughput continuity, low probability of detection (LDP), low-probability of interception (LPI) techniques and agile endpoint support are among key requirements.

Desired outcomes and considerations

Essential (mandatory) outcomes

The proposed solution must:

1. Evaluate the LEO SATCOM orbit communications system under intentional, controlled and measured interference, (e.g., jamming or other interfering signal occupying the same bandwidth), and produce quantitative analysis of communication performance using metrics such as bit-error rate (BER), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), jammer-to-signal ratio (JSR), spectrum occupancy, data throughput degradation, recovery latency through various stages such as detection, adaptation, and recovery. Using either high fidelity laboratory facilities (e.g., an anechoic chamber), or on orbit satellites for experiments to generate outcomes.
2. Evaluate scenarios that apply adaptive beamforming techniques, including the use of adaptive phased arrays and algorithms that dynamically control antenna elements to mitigate jamming interference, assessing performance using metrics such as detection reliability (probability of detection) and reaction latency. Using either high fidelity laboratory facilities (e.g., an anechoic chamber), or on orbit satellites for experiments to generate outcomes.
3. Include at least Kurz-above (Ka) band for LEO SATCOM. Using either high fidelity laboratory facilities (e.g., an anechoic chamber), or on orbit satellites for experiments to generate outcomes.
4. Evaluate scenarios involving multiple kinds of malicious signals, such as, but not limited to, single tone, multi-tone, swept jamming, follower jamming, pulsed/smart jamming, distributed/swarm jamming. Using either high fidelity laboratory facilities (e.g., an anechoic chamber), or on orbit satellites for experiments to generate outcomes.
5. Provide comparative evaluations of jamming mitigation techniques based on the experimental data generated using either high fidelity laboratory facilities (e.g., an anechoic chamber), or on orbit satellites.

Additional outcomes

The proposed solution should:

1. Compare all experimental results generated using high fidelity laboratory evaluation (such as an anechoic chamber) and on-orbit satellites.
2. Evaluate approaches, using at least simulations, which jointly apply adaptive beam forming techniques with one or multiple other techniques, e.g., network multipath routing, cognitive spectrum access, new resilient transceiver capabilities, for end-to-end LEO network communications to counter adversarial jamming.
3. Demonstrate experimentation with emerging and future technologies in resilient communications in contested hybrid satellite networks, including but not limited to:
   1. Direct-to-device user terminals;
   2. Quantum SATCOM capabilities;
   Note: Testing in an anechoic chamber or using on-orbit satellites is not mandatory for the demonstration of these capabilities.
4. Provide comparisons of different approaches to mitigate jamming, including approaches that were not pursued experimentally in a laboratory anechoic chamber or on-orbit.
5. Include scenarios with multiple communication end users connected across the LEO network in operation theatre(s), and advanced mobile/on-the-move jamming source(s), where some earth based users are mobile/on-the-move; these scenarios may be developed through modeling and simulation and do not require anechoic chamber or on-orbit testing.
6. Include use cases with terminals in the Arctic.
7. Demonstrate novel covert communication capabilities for achieving LPD/LPI – testing. (Testing in an anechoic chamber or using on-orbit satellites is not mandatory in this case.)
8. Deliver, commission and set up the experiment/testbed systems at a DND/DRDC designated facility with the required training and support.

Background and context

1. LEO SATCOM capabilities are typically developed and deployed for commercial services which do not involve adversarial RF interference like those employed in combat and national security operation theatres;
2. Resilience is currently achieved by redundant satellites providing access and alternative paths. This solution is effective as proven in the recent Ukraine war (URL: Satellite's Pivotal Role in Connecting Ukraine – Telecom Review Europe), though it involves large number of satellites and their launch overhead;
3. Military operations apply Electronic Protection Measures (EPM) such as waveform design, frequency hopping (FH), and direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) to evade jammers. They require costly R&D, expensive radios and increase spectrum resources;
4. Adaptive beam steering and shaping technology is being employed in LEO commercial networks for spectrum efficiency and interference mitigation. ((1) Space-Time Beamforming for Satellite Communications (3) Dynamic Interference Prediction and Receive Beamforming for Dense LEO Satellite Networks ). While the technology is applicable against jamming, little has been reported. (1) Satellite Signal Jamming Reaches New Lows (2) Unveiling Beamforming Strategies of Starlink LEO Satellites (PDF)
5. Standard solutions to interference mitigation, such as cognitive SATCOM spectrum sensing (Cognitive Satellite Radios), AI driven interference detection, and inter-satellite links exist, but have little empirical data reported for use cases in contested space RF environments
6. The Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) and other US programs have been making significant investment in resilient LEO communications mostly on optical intersatellite links (Space-BACN sizzling along as DARPA awards Phase 2 contracts in laser link project). These programs often broaden in scope and face delays. Although detailed reports are not yet accessible and outcomes will largely stem from heavily funded US industries (https://milivox.media/cubic-afrl-halo-satcom-antenna-contract/, CALL 004 - Multi-Band Directional SATCOM Antennas), focused innovative technical solutions and empirical data present opportunities for Canadian industry and sovereign capabilities.
7. DND and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has made commitment to resilient LEO communication capabilities as part of its defence strategy and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernization program.

Multiple contracts could result from this Challenge.

Phase 2

• Maximum Funding: $2,000,000.00 CAD
• Project Duration: Up to 12 months
• Estimated Number of contracts: 2

Note: Selected companies are eligible to receive one contract per phase per challenge.

This disclosure is made in good faith and does not commit Canada to award any contracts for the total approximate funding. Final decisions on the number of Phase 2 awards will be made by Canada based on factors such as evaluation results, departmental priorities, and availability of funds. The Government of Canada reserves the right to make partial awards and to negotiate project scope changes.

Travel

No travel required.

Kick-off meeting

All communication will take place by telephone or videoconference.

Progress review meeting(s)

Any progress review meetings will be conducted by telephone or videoconference.

Final review meeting

All communication will take place by telephone or videoconference.

Solution proposals can be submitted by a business that meets all of the following criteria:

• for profit
• incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
• small and medium sized business with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees^**
• research and development activities that take place in Canada
• 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada^{Footnote **}
• 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of work^{Footnote **}
• 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residence^{Footnote **}

The official source of the Evaluation Criteria for this challenge is the Government Electronic Tendering System (CanadaBuys).

In the event of a discrepancy between the information below and the information published on CanadaBuys, CanadaBuys will take precedence.

Please refer to the tender notice for this specific challenge, Tender Notice | CanadaBuys

All incoming questions regarding this specific challenge should be addressed to SIC-ISC@pwgsc.gc.ca.

All enquiries must be submitted in writing no later than ten calendar days before the Challenge Notice closing date. Enquiries received after that time may not be answered.

A glossary is also available.