New World Vistas identifies several primary technologies that will be required in 2025. ¹ Those that are applicable to WICS are presented in table 7.

These and other key enabling technologies can be grouped into five areas. First, advances in data-collection technologies are needed so that we can collect data sufficient in quality and quantity. Second, advances in data-processing technologies are needed to handle that data. Third, advances in presentation technologies are required that will dramatically improve the human-computer interface. Fourth, advances in communications technologies are needed to transmit large volumes of data "in-time" to multiple users simultaneously. Finally, information-control technologies must be advanced so data-gathering and communications activities can proceed undetected and uninterrupted.

Before we can collect enough data of the quality and fidelity required by WICS we need a big increase in satellite spatial coverage and a big decrease in satellite revisit times. Current satellite design concepts focus on developing highly-redundant systems with long design lifetimes. These vehicles are extremely expensive and generally require large, complicated boosters for launch. A better approach may be to develop the data-collection system around a large constellation of relatively simple, inexpensive, and expendable microsatellites. These microsatellites depend heavily on advancements in microminiaturization technologies. Each space-based individual collection system could include several dozen such satellites. Because they would be expendable by design replacements could easily be launched on a relatively cheap booster system. This also would provide operational flexibility because, given a more responsive spacelift capability, spare satellites and boosters could be prepared for short-notice launches to orbits providing additional coverage of specific geographic regions during conflict.

Data collected from all available sources, including weather, navigation, and imaging satellites, must become more refined. Improved resolution and target-identification capabilities could be provided through spectral sensing rather than current spatial imaging techniques.

Improved data-processing capabilities could possibly be the key technological challenge facing WICS. Processing speed must continue to improve. Because of the immense quantities of data that will be processed by this system, it will be necessary to utilize artificial intelligence as part of the onboard processing system. Current satellites are "dumb systems" that do little more than serve as high-altitude transceivers. Instead, it is necessary to develop the next generation of "smart satellites." These will use artificial-intelligence techniques to process and filter the data and prioritized information before it ever reaches the user. This will greatly reduce the user workload and, because extraneous data will be removed from the information flow, will improve the rate at which data may be transmitted. The filtered data will be transmitted to users at fidelity levels determined by the requirements of a particular user.

The usefulness of the information will only be as good as the presentation format. This will require advances in software and smart user interface technologies, including virtual reality and interface agents.

A major technical challenge that must be met to make WICS a reality is the improvement in communications technologies for voice, images, video, and data. Improved bit rates, data compression, and higher bandwidths are essential to this effort. Developments in laser communications are needed. Satellites must be standardized so that all of the space-based platforms are compatible and data cross-link can occur. Standard radio frequency signals are not practical for minimizing unfriendly access to data; their signals tend to spread over wide areas. One attractive alternative is the use of lasers to pass information. Lasers are attractive because of their higher data rates and smaller beam divergence angles. The use of laser communications will necessitate major improvements in pointing and tracking capabilities (systems will need to find and point to each other before they can transfer information). Also, methods are needed to mitigate the signal-degrading effects of atmospheric turbulence.

In addition to improved pointing and tracking capabilities, several other steps must be taken to protect friendly access and deny unfriendly access to the system. Secure communications capabilities will be essential due to the sensitive nature of the information. Standard cryptographic and jamming techniques must be improved. Communications and access redundancy will be essential. As information warfare becomes more of a standard procedure, countermeasures must be developed and employed in WICS. As a result, defensive counterinformation tactics must be developed to protect the system and restrict its access to unauthorized users.

1

USAF Scientific Advisory Board, New World Vistas: Air and Space Power for the 21^st Century, summary volume (Washington, D.C.: USAF Scientific Advisory Board, 15 December 1995), 52-53.

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