uhf tacsat /dama multi-service tactics, techniques ... - UHF-Satcom.com

algorithm A procedure or formula for solving a mathematical problem.
Extremely complex algorithms or sets of algorithms are used
to simplify, modify or predict data in the digital
manipulation of information. Often, algorithms developed
for digital applications are proprietary and are an important
aspect of defining significant differences among the various
digital compression and codec (coding/decoding) standards.
allocation TDMA frame time apportioned by the PCC for a particular
function.
alternate channel
controller
The control station function that monitors the channel and
can assume control, either manually by operator action or
automatically when it detects that the PCC has failed.
angle of inclination The angle at which a satellite’s orbit is tilted in relation to
the Earth’s equator. A 90-degree angle of inclination is a
polar orbit. A zero degree angle of inclination is an
equatorial orbit.
antenna A device for transmitting and receiving radio waves.
Depending on their use and operating frequency, antennas
can take the form of a single piece of wire, a dipole, a grid
such as a yagi array, a horn, a helix, a sophisticated
parabolic-shaped dish, or a phased array of active electronic
elements of virtually any flat or convoluted surface.
apogee The point in orbit where an object, such as a satellite, is
farthest from Earth.
assigned service A service being assigned communications resources.
assigned-return
orderwire time-slot
asymmetric
warfare
asynchronous
transfer node
A ROW segment time-slot that a PCC assigns to a specific
terminal for the terminal's sole use. The assignment is made
by the PCC when the terminal is required to respond to a
FOW, such as when the PCC transmits a FOW requesting a
network status message be transmitted by the terminal.
Unanticipated or non-traditional approaches to circumvent
or undermine an adversary’s strengths while exploiting his
vulnerabilities through unexpected technologies or
innovative means. Simply put, dirty fighting that gives the
weak the best chance to defeat the strong.
A switching architecture that uses cell relay technology to
carry vast quantities of data at extremely high speeds.
atmosphere The layer of gas surrounding the earth or other planets. The
upper atmosphere is the region of Earth’s atmosphere above
the troposphere (which extends to about 20-km). Regions of
the upper atmosphere are the stratosphere, mesosphere and
thermosphere.
attenuation The loss of power of electromagnetic signals between the
transmission and reception point. It can be caused by
distance or weather.
attitude The position in space of a spacecraft or aircraft. A satellite’s
Glossary-9