3D1X3 Self Test Questions Vol. 3 Unit 4

Front 1

What is the mission of the DMSP?

Back 1

To generate terrestrial and space weather data for operational forces worldwide.

Front 2

What types of data do the DMSP strategic elements receive?

Back 2

Stored mission sensor and real-time telemetry data.

Front 3

What is the primary weather sensor on the DMSP satellite?

Back 3

The operational linescan system (OL-S).

Front 4

What are the AFSCN control nodes?

Back 4

The Environmental Satellite Operations Center at Schriever AFB, Colorado, and the NOAA Satellite
Operations Control Center at Suitland, MD.

Front 5

What are the DMSP tactical users?

Back 5

The Mark IVB and Receiving Set, Satellite (RSS) series of transportable terminals, the Navy’s Shipboard
Receiving Terminals and other Army and Marine terminals.

Front 6

What type data does the MARK IVB receive and process?

Back 6

Real-time imagery and mission sensor data from polar orbiting satellites, and imagery from geostationary
satellites.

Front 7

How far can the antennas be located from the Processing Area?

Back 7

Up to 1500 feet.

Front 8

Which MARK IVB subsystem receives and processes the geostationary and polar satellite data
from the antennas?

Back 8

Acquisition.

Front 9

What equipment comprises the SDAS group and what does the SDAS group do?

Back 9

Equipment in the telemetry processing rack (rack 2) and antenna control rack (rack 3) in the Processing
Area. The SDAS group processes the signals received from the antenna group equipment and then sends
the data to the Product Control Subsystem.

Front 10

What unit functions as an automatic patch panel?

Back 10

Switch Matrix (Switch Controller).

Front 11

After leaving the bit synchronizer, where does the data and synchronous clock go next?

Back 11

If the data is not encrypted, it goes directly to the Format Processor (in the FEP) by way of the Switch
Matrix. If the satellite data is encrypted, the data and synchronous clock are sent through the Switch Matrix
to the designated cryptographic unit (KG-44) and then back through the Switch Matrix to the Format
Processor.

Front 12

What operating system does the Product Control Subsystem use and what are the program
languages of the software used to perform its tasks?

Back 12

UNIX operating environment. Ada, C, C++, and FORTRAN software programming languages.

Front 13

Name the major software responsibilities of the MDS.

Back 13

(1) Antenna control.
(2) SDAS control.
(3) Ingest.
(4) Processing all user requests for data.

Front 14

Before satellite acquisition, which unit instructs the Switch Controller (Switch Matrix) to make
the necessary equipment selections?

Back 14

MDS.

Front 15

Which unit is the primary interface between the operator/maintainer and the MARK IVB system?

Back 15

Maintainer workstation.

Front 16

What is the purpose of DSP?

Back 16

It is a highly available, survivable and reliable satellite warning and surveillance system with the capability
to detect and report missile and space launches and nuclear detonations in near real time. It also detects and
reports data of tactical and intelligence value.

Front 17

List the DSP’s specific missions in priority order highest to lowest.

Back 17

(1) North American warning.
(2) Theater warning.
(3) US retaliatory strike.
(4) Worldwide space launches.
(5) Intelligence collection.

Front 18

Which program ground station replaced the legacy DSP control centers after achieving initial
operational capability, and where is it located?

Back 18

The SBIRS mission control station that is operated by the 2nd Space Warning Squadron; it is located at
Buckley AFB, Colorado.

Front 19

What does the MCS use the Remote Ground Stations for?

Back 19

To detect and report on all detectable missile and space launches and other infrared activity in their
satellite’s field of view. The MCS processes the raw infrared data from the satellites and outputs mission
data (messages) by way of a communications network to users.

Front 20

Which agency is responsible for DSP operational control?

Back 20

SPACEAF (14 AF).

Front 21

What are the functions of the MCS?

Back 21

Monitors and interprets mission data, including reporting all significant events, and monitoring,
interpreting, and reporting on the quality of all mission data. Monitors satellite housekeeping functions
including interpreting indications of malfunctioning satellite subsystems and analyzing troubles to identify
faulty components. Monitors the operational status of ground station equipment

Front 22

What does RGSM1 do?

Back 22

Format command data into serial ternary 1, 0, and S bits. Receive L1/2 (I and Q) and discrete L2 downlink
data/clock from the SRS and provides demultiplexing of L1/2 data and routing of L1 and L2 data/clock to
the MCS. Frame synchronize, time tag, and format the downlink data into packetized L1, L2 and UTC
messages.

Front 23

What is the purpose of the RF set?

Back 23

Receives L1/2, L2 and/or L4 (impact sensor) downlink signals in the 2.2 to 2.3 GHz bandwidth. Transmits
the L3 signals in the 1.761 to 1.842 GHz range.

Front 24

What comprises the TR set?

Back 24

The TR set consists of three downlink equipment strings and two uplink equipment strings used to interface
with two antennas. Downlink strings 1 and 2 are connected to antennas 1 and 2 respectively. Downlink
string 3 is the standby and can be switched to either antenna. Each downlink string consists of an
uplink/downlink switch (UL/DL SW), an RF unit, a L1/2 receiver, and a L2/L4 receiver. Each uplink string
is dedicated to one antenna and consists of an UL/DL SW (shared with downlink strings 1 and 2), an RF
modulator, and an echo check receiver.

Front 25

Which equipment group provides simulated satellite signals?

Back 25

Spacecraft simulator.

Front 26

What is the purpose of the DE set?

Back 26

It provides configuration status of the satellite readout station equipment using a LAN.

Front 27

What is the purpose of the DE set workstations?

Back 27

They provide the ability to monitor the satellite readout station equipment operations.

Front 28

What are the two primary GPS missions?

Back 28

(1) Navigation.
(2) Nuclear detection.

Front 29

What is the purpose of the navigation mission?

Back 29

Allows users on earth, or in lower earth orbits, to accurately determine their position and velocity.

Front 30

What does the nuclear detonation detection part of the satellite payload use to determine if a
NUDET has occurred?

Back 30

Light, x-ray, radiation, and/or electromagnetic pulse sensors.

Front 31

What time standard is the GPS program responsible for maintaining?

Back 31

GPS time within 1000 nanoseconds (1 microsecond) of universal time code.

Front 32

What are the components of the GPS space segment?

Back 32

A constellation of at least 24 active satellites. 6. satellites.

Front 33

How many orbital planes does GPS have?

Back 33

Six.

Front 34

What are the two L-band signals transmitted by the satellites?

Back 34

(1) L1.
(2) L2.

Front 35

Where is the MCS and what is its purpose?

Back 35

Schriever AFB, Colorado. Provides the C2 operations for the space segment.

Front 36

What is the function of the ground antenna?

Back 36

Provides the interface between the satellites (space segment) and the master control and monitor stations.
Each ground antenna is basically a remotely controlled satellite ground station, transmitting signals and
commands to the satellites (uplink), and receiving telemetry from the satellites (downlink).

Front 37

What is the minimum number of GPS satellites that must be tracked to have accurate threedimensional
navigation?

Back 37

Four.

Front 38

Name the major user segment military air operation applications.

Back 38

Aircraft navigation, air interdiction, all-weather airdrops, weapon delivery and/or targeting, reconnaissance,
mapping, and vertical short take-off and landing.

Front 39

Describe the AN/PSN–13 Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR)?

Back 39

The DAGR is a light weight, self-contained, hand-held unit with a built-in integral antenna, but can be
installed in a host platform (ground facilities, air, sea, and land vehicles) using an external power source
and an external antenna. The DAGR collects and processes the GPS satellite dual frequency Link One (L1)
and Link Two (L2) signals to provide position, velocity, and time (PVT) information, as well as position
reporting and navigation capabilities.

Front 40

What allows the DAGR to operate in a jamming environment?

Back 40

It is a SAASM based PPS receiver.

Front 41

To ensure interoperability between all US armed services, in which areas must Milstar systems be
compatible?

Back 41

(1) Frequency range.
(2) Type of modulation.
(3) Tuning increments.
(4) Frame formats.

Front 42

Name the DOD’s core C2 communications system for US combatant forces in hostile
environments.

Back 42

Milstar.

Front 43

Name the three distinct segments of the Milstar communications system?

Back 43

(1) Space.
(2) Mission control.
(3) Terminal.

Front 44

What’s the benefit of satellite-to-satellite crosslinking?

Back 44

Worldwide communications connectivity without the use of vulnerable and expensive ground relay stations
for worldwide coverage.

Front 45

Which Milstar element provides dedicated day-to-day satellite control?

Back 45

Mission control.

Front 46

Which Milstar element’s responsibilities include allocating communication resources?

Back 46

Mission planning.

Front 47

Briefly describe the primary function of Milstar.

Back 47

To support the NCA and to provide the Army, Navy, and Air Force with interoperable C3 at all levels of
conflict for both strategic and tactical forces.

Front 48

Name the three types of EHF SATCOM terminals in use by the Navy.

Back 48

(1) Surface ship.
(2) Submarine.
(3) Shore station terminals.

Front 49

Briefly describe the Army’s SMART-T.

Back 49

A 4.5-foot antenna and a small Milstar terminal mounted on a HMMWV. Provides user data rates through
T-1 (1.544 Mbps).

Front 50

On which types of military aircraft would you find the Milstar airborne terminal?

Back 50

The Air Force’s E-4B NAOC aircraft and the Navy’s TACAMO aircraft.

Front 51

How many satellites does the completed Milstar II constellation consist of?

Back 51

Three.

Front 52

Name the Milstar satellite uplink, downlink, and crosslink frequency spectrums.

Back 52

Uplink (UHF and EHF), downlink (SHF and UHF), and crosslink (EHF).

Front 53

What does the Milstar satellite payload management subsystem message processor control?

Back 53

Frequency hopping, time and frequency permutation, and beam pointing for the downlink.

Front 54

Briefly describe the purpose of the Milstar satellites’ spot beam antennas.

Back 54

Provide selective coverage of any ground station visible on the earth’s surface within the antenna’s
footprint.

Front 55

How many DAMA networks and network members can a Milstar satellite support?

Back 55

Three DAMA networks—each network allows for up to 1,021 NMs and one NC.

Front 56

Each Milstar DAMA terminal can set up to act in one of four roles. What are they?

Back 56

(1) NC.
(2) ANC.
(3) MNC.
(4) NM.

Front 57

Name the types of Milstar DAMA communications channels.

Back 57

(1) LC.
(2) CC.
(3) RC.

Front 58

What are the most important factors when determining the impact of rain on the EHF
communications link?

Back 58

(1) Instantaneous rain rate (i.e., mist versus downpour, or how hard it’s raining).
(2) The latitude of the earth terminal.
(3) Look angle to the satellite.

Front 59

How does the Milstar waveform derive its anti-jam capabilities?

Back 59

By using a large bandwidth to hide a relatively small information band (75 to 2,400 bps communication
channel) and by the use of narrow antenna beamwidth.

Front 60

Why can frequency hopping prevent intentional jamming?

Back 60

A potential jammer doesn’t know the hopping pattern.

Front 61

What benefit do encoding/decoding techniques in the Milstar EHF modem provide?

Back 61

Enhances the link BER threshold.

Front 62

What are the command post terminal functions within the constellation of Milstar
communications satellites?

Back 62

C3.

Front 63

What are the FE terminal functions within the constellation of Milstar communications satellites?

Back 63

Control and communications.

Front 64

Briefly describe the difference between the EHF/UHF ground command post terminal and the
EHF/UHF transportable ground command post (CONTINGENCY) terminal.

Back 64

The ground command post terminal has a 90-inch dish enclosed in a radome (EHF), and two 14dB gain
"wagon wheel" antennas (UHF); the transportable ground command post (CONTINGENCY) terminal has a
96-inch dish without a radome (EHF), and two 14 dB AFSATCOM antennas (UHF).

Front 65

What type of antennas are used with the EHF/UHF airborne command post terminals?

Back 65

26-inch Cassegrain antenna (EHF), and a 3-blade antenna (UHF).

Front 66

Which agency is the system manager for the DSCS?

Back 66

DISA.

Front 67

Which agency ensures that GMFSC terminals and their assigned DSCS GMFSC gateway stations
are technically compatible?

Back 67

DISA.

Front 68

Which agency operates and maintains all DSCSOCs?

Back 68

SMDC/ARSTRAT.

Front 69

Which agency operates the MCC to provide DSCS spacecraft control?

Back 69

AFSPACECOM

Front 70

How does the director of DISA exercise operational control of the DCS?

Back 70

Through the DOCC.

Front 71

What’s the purpose of the TCCC?

Back 71

To coordinate DCS status information between the DOCC and user elements.

Front 72

What are the functions of the DOCS?

Back 72

(1) Resource allocation.
(2) Satellite link establishment.
(3) Maintenance of link quality.
(4) Satellite signal monitoring.
(5) Satellite housekeeping.

Front 73

What’s the function of the DSCSOCs?

Back 73

Provide direct operational control of DSCS earth terminals and satellite payload by using DOCS equipment
to maintain the corrected network parameters.

Front 74

How many DSCS III satellite orbital positions are used to provide worldwide coverage?

Back 74

Five.

Front 75

Who is responsible for satellite control (i.e., launch support, orbit maintenance, and relocation)?

Back 75

AFSPC.

Front 76

How many independent transponder channels does the DSCS III satellite have?

Back 76

Six.

Front 77

Name some ways the DSCS satellites have been upgraded.

Back 77

(1) Higher reliability and higher power amplifiers.
(2) More selective filters.
(3) More sensitive receive amplifiers.
(4) More efficient gallium arsenide solar cells.

Front 78

What three configuration choices are available on the DSCS III satellite?

Back 78

(1) Receiving antenna.
(2) Transmitting antenna.
(3) Transponder gain level.

Front 79

What information is derived from the receive power levels of the 61 discrete ports of the BFN?

Back 79

The position of an undesirable radiation signal.

Front 80

What are the capabilities of transmit MBA assemblies?

Back 80

Capability to shape antenna patterns to suit user coverage and connectivity requirements. The antennas can
be commanded from the ground to form patterns ranging from individual spots, to multiple individual
spots, to large composite patterns all the way up to earth coverage.

Front 81

What’s the difference between transmit and receive MBAs?

Back 81

Transmit MBAs don’t have nulling capability, and they have lower resolution.

Front 82

What types of modulation can the six independent RF channels of the DSCS III satellite handle?

Back 82

FM, BPSK, OQPSK, and pseudo noise/frequency-hopping spread spectrum modulation.

Front 83

What’s the frequency translation for channel 6?

Back 83

200 MHz.

Front 84

Describe the UFO's purpose.

Back 84

The UFO's purpose is to provide satellite communications for DOD and other government agencies through
satellites in geosynchronous orbit.

Front 85

Which UFO flights contain an EHF package for secure, anti-jam communications, telemetry, and
command data?

Back 85

Flights 4 thru 10 also contains an EHF package for secure, anti-jam communications, telemetry, and
command data.

Front 86

What is the main reason the DOD uses commercial satellite systems?

Back 86

Because even with planned upgrades, MILSATCOM cannot meet the increasing data rate and bandwidth
demands of the warfighters.

Front 87

What additional factors favor using commercial systems?

Back 87

(1) Financial savings because research and development are done by the owner/operator.
(2) Financial savings because there are no maintenance costs.
(3) Quick access to the latest technology.
(4) Service can be changed or discontinued once the mission is completed.

Front 88

List the negative factors that must be considered when using commercial systems.

Back 88

(1) Since the military does not control the satellite, there is a chance the owner/operator could terminate
access involuntarily.
(2) The DOD must compete with private organizations, businesses, and news media for bandwidth.
(3) Satellites are vulnerable to jamming but commercial operators are not usually trained to rapidly
identify that jamming is happening to resolve the problem and restore service.
(4) If the transmit carrier of a DOD terminal interferes with another customer, the DOD could incur
penalty fees from the service provider.
(5) Service may not be available when or where the DOD needs it due to coverage limitations or
difficulty getting a host nation’s approval.

Front 89

What agency is designated with the responsibility to procure all commercial SATCOM services
for the DOD?

Back 89

DISA.

Front 90

List some of the services provided by the CSB.

Back 90

(1) Evaluate requests to see if commercial service is the best option.
(2) Obtain required transponder capacity (using DITCO contracts).
(3) Recommend and/or obtain ground terminals (using DITCO contracts).
(4) Supervise terminal installation.
(5) Help obtain HNA.
(6) Monitor the operation of the network and respond to any problems or needs.

Front 91

When dealing with host nation approvals, what are landing rights, approvals and certifications?

Back 91

Landing rights are a set of agreements between a country and a satellite provider to receive the satellite’s
signals in that country. Approvals are permissions to operate a terminal within a country’s borders.
Licenses deal with the technical issues including beamwidth and transmission frequency clearance.

Front 92

List some of the responsibilities of the AFCA.

Back 92

(1) Act as the day-to-day Air Force MSS System Manager on behalf of HQ USAF Installations and
Logistics Directorate of Communications Operations.
(2) Provide a single point of contact for HQ USAF, MAJCOMs, vendors, and other parties to improve
MSS support and formulate policy changes for HQ USAF review and approval.
(3) Monitor MSS technological advances and changes to identify the types of systems that can best
satisfy Air Force requirements and provide recommendations to MAJCOM/FOA/DRU MSS
managers.
(4) On request, provide training to MAJCOM/FOA/DRU MSS managers in activation, deactivation, and
procurement of MSS systems and service.

Front 93

What is another name for narrowband services, and to what does it refer?

Back 93

MSS. It refers to satellite-based services (digital voice, data, paging, fax, etc.) provided by existing and
emerging commercial communications providers through increasingly smaller and lighter mobile terminals.

Front 94

Narrowband services are typically below what data rate?

Back 94

64 Kbps.

Front 95

The DOD Policy on Procurement of MSS required that handheld MSS services be provided by
Iridium unless a waiver was granted. Is that policy still effective?

Back 95

The policy is still active but was amended in 2006 to allow the DOD to use other MSS providers, for
unclassified purposes only, when both the source and destination are within the CONUS.

Front 96

What allows Iridium to offer coverage to all parts of the globe including the poles?

Back 96

A constellation of 66 cross-linked satellites in near polar LEO.

Front 97

What is the purpose of the dedicated government EMSS gateway?

Back 97

Provides a dedicated entry point from the Iridium network into the DISN for secure and non-secure
services. Also provides entry to non-secure commercial telephone services.

Front 98

What is required when using the Iridium handheld phone for voice communications?

Back 98

Handheld voice communications must be secured using the ISM.

Front 99

What company besides Iridium is now providing unclassified CONUS-based handheld MSS
services?

Back 99

Globalstar.

Front 100

What is a major requirement of the Inmarsat charter?

Back 100

That the Inmarsat system must be used exclusively for peaceful purposes.

Front 101

List the peaceful purpose clause guidelines for military use of the Inmarsat system?

Back 101

(1) Armed forces not involved in armed conflict or any threat to or breach of peace may use Inmarsat.
(2) UN peacekeeping or peacemaking forces acting under the auspices of the UN Security Council may
use Inmarsat, even if engaged in armed conflict to accomplish their mission.
(3) Armed forces not acting under the auspices of the UN Security Council involved in international or
non-international armed conflict (civil war) may not use Inmarsat, except in the case of legitimate
individual or collective self-defense against armed attack within the limitations established by UN
charter, Article 51. This exception excludes preventive action and self-help involving armed force in
the absence of armed attack.
(4) Armed forces engaged in armed conflict may use Inmarsat for distress and safety communications,
and for communications relating to the protection of the wounded, sick, shipwrecked, prisoners of war
and civilians, pursuant to the Geneva Red Cross Conventions, 1977. Personal and private, non-tactical
communications by members of the armed forces are permitted; however, use of Inmarsat for
nontactical governmental communications related to or in support of the war effort are not permitted
unless they originate from governments of, or are directed to armed forces engaged in activities
sanctioned by the UN Security Council, or self-defense pursuant to UN Charter, Article 51.

Front 102

Describe the Inmarsat constellation and its area of coverage.

Back 102

The Inmarsat constellation currently consists of nine geosynchronous satellites and provides coverage from
about 75 degrees North latitude to about 75 degrees South latitude. Services are provided using overlapping
earth coverage beams and spot beams. Each earth coverage beam covers roughly one third of the earth’s
surface. Spot beams provide tighter coverage with more power.

Front 103

Over what frequencies could you expect to operate when using commercial wideband services?

Back 103

C-band (3.625-6.425 GHz), Ku-band (10.95-14.5 GHz), and Ka-band (20.2-31.0 GHz).

Front 104

List some of the common commercial wideband applications.

Back 104

(1) Private communication networks using VSAT.
(2) Deployable video teleconferencing.
(3) Real-time command, control, communications and intelligence functions for unmanned aerial
vehicles.
(4) Emergency response and restoral.
(5) International high-speed internet connectivity.

Front 105

What are some of the major wideband service providers currently used by the DOD?

Back 105

INTELSAT, PanAmSat, EUTELSAT, and XTAR.

Front 106

Which commercial wideband service system is specifically designed to interface with current Xband
terminals?

Back 106

XTAR.

Front 107

Name some of Global Hawk’s primary functions.

Back 107

1) Autonomous, long endurance, all weather, day/night wide area reconnaissance.
(2) Surveillance imagery and SIGINT collection.
(3) Imagery dissemination.

Front 108

Global Hawk is an integrated system. What are the major components?

Back 108

(1) UAV.
(2) Ground stations.
(3) Support segment.

Front 109

What SATCOM equipment does Global Hawk carry?

Back 109

Ku-band, UHF and Inmarsat equipment used for control of the air vehicle and transmit of sensor data to the
ground stations.

Front 110

What data rate can Global Hawk’s Ku-band system handle?

Back 110

8.48 Mbps.

Front 111

What does the MCE GICS contain?

Back 111

UHF SATCOM system, Inmarsat system, Ku-Band SATCOM subsystem and a CDL subsystem to provide
command and control, wideband communications, and imagery processing and dissemination to
exploitation stations for the UAV while en-route and in the collection area.

Front 112

What is the purpose of the Global Hawk MCE SATCOM subsystem and what capabilities does it
provide?

Back 112

To communicate through a Ku-Band satellite to the Global Hawk AICS onboard the UAV. It provides
backup capability for C² of one UAV from the MCE, and a full-duplex encrypted digital voice channel.

Front 113

Name some of Predator’s primary functions.

Back 113

(1) Autonomous, long endurance, day/night wide area reconnaissance.
(2) SIGINT collection.
(3) Hunter/killer operations.
(4) Video dissemination.

Front 114

What are the major components of the Predator system?

Back 114

(1) RPA.
(2) GCS(s).
(3) Support Segment.

Front 115

What SATCOM equipment is on board the Predator?

Back 115

Ku-band SATCOM equipment used for control of the air vehicle and to transmit sensor data, video, and
voice to the ground stations.

Front 116

What data rate can the Predator’s Ku-band system handle?

Back 116

200 kbps to 3.2 Mbps.

Front 117

What is the purpose of the Predator GCS SATCOM subsystem, and what capabilities does it
provide?

Back 117

To communicate through a Ku-Band satellite to the Predator PCM onboard the RPA. C² of four RPA’s
from the GCS, and a full-duplex encrypted digital voice channel.