The proof of concept demonstration, named "Combat SkySat," takes place near Phoenix. It uses payloads and near-space operations technology developed by Space Data Corporation and PRC-148 two-way radios manufactured by Thales Communications, Inc. Near-space is the region of the earth's atmosphere between 65,000 and 325,000 feet above sea level.

The system will demonstrate beyond line-of-sight communication capability to support Air Force tactical air control parties. TACP operators work closely with the Army to coordinate close air support during ground operations.

The Space Battlelab has teamed with the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Carson, Colo., for the demonstration.

Ultimately, Combat SkySat could extend beyond line-of-sight communications for TACP operations. Tech. Sgt. Nathan "Deacon" Hoffman, 13 ASOS, is excited about the additional capability it may provide.

"[In January], Combat SkySat provided an extension of ground-to-ground UHF communications to over 200 miles with the PRC-148 repeater. Extending ground-to-ground and ground-to-air communications (for low flying aircraft) could pay big dividends to TACP and other ground combat operations," he said.

The use of free-floating balloons as a communications platform may sound like an unusual entrant in the high-tech world of space and aviation, but Space Data operates just such a commercial system today with a high rate of reliability.

"We have been launching our near-space SkySite payloads every day for over a year," said retired Air Force Col. Charles Tracy, Space Data's vice president of operations. "Space Data payloads download telemetry information on a 24/7 basis from remote gas and oil well sites throughout Oklahoma and Texas."

In preparation for the March 2005 demonstration, several altitude and UHF radio communication tests have already been conducted in Arizona using Space Data's payload integrated with Thales' PRC-148 radios.

"The radios have performed very well at altitudes far outside of normal operating conditions," said Capt Dave Donahue, Space Battlelab demonstration officer for Combat SkySat.

The balloon-borne platforms typically operate between 65,000 feet and 95,000 feet; then use a parachute to return the integrated payload package back to earth upon completion of the mission.

Such operations are made possible by the precise control Space Data is able to exercise over its floating platforms. The company has been awarded multiple patents, including one for a vent and ballast system that is used to control altitude.

"This technology helps provide for the much longer duration flights that are a requirement for our commercial operations," said Mr.Tracy. Space Data has integrated two PRC-148 radios into their flight hardware. These radios provide a communications repeater capability when two are connected with a repeater cable.

"Two PRC-148 radios and a repeater cable weigh less than five pounds and are the lightest radio repeater package we manufacture," said Kenneth Leighton, director, Product Management, Thales Communications, Inc.

This configuration will support relay of non-secure and secure (encrypted) communication for both voice and data signals, without encryption components onboard the balloon-borne platform.

"[In January], we tested a secure UHF radio communications capability at a distance over 200 miles through a Combat SkySat repeater flying at 67,000 feet," said Captain Donahue.

In addition, a January 25 test flight of Combat SkySat flying at 66,000 feet tested radio repeater communications with aircraft flying on Arizona's Goldwater Range.

Aircraft using the UHF repeater included A-10s from the 354th Fighter Squadron (Davis Monthan AFB, Ariz.), F-16s from 179th Fighter Squadron (Duluth, Minn.), and an E-8C Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System aircraft from the 116th ACW (Robins AFB, Ga.).

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