Internet Protocol Router In Space (IRIS) Joint Capability Technology Demonstrator (JCTD)

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Context

            -- Joint, Interagency and Multi-National users need mobile, flexible, dynamic connectivity, and the ability to seamlessly share relevant information globally throughout all phases of joint operations and spectrums of conflict in austere environments

            -- Experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq have demonstrated the need for net-centric operations

IRIS JCTD Intent 

IRIS is a commercial satellite communications payload designed to enhance the space communications by merging ground and space communications using internet protocol.

            -- Represents the next generation in telecommunication satellite services with internet protocol (IP) as the common reference between networks

            -- Accepted by Department of Defense (DoD) as an FY07 JCTD to examine utility of augmenting information transport with space based IP routing and processing

            -- Could allow seamless communication of incompatible communication equipment for joint, interagency, intergovernmental and multi-national forces

            --  IRIS JCTD represents a new model for government and industry collaboration

Expected IRIS Benefits

            -- The IP based architecture of IRIS accelerates information sharing processes, operational decision making, and improves situational awareness

            -- IRIS will enable a transformational extension to the existing Global Information Grid (GIG) by providing high bandwidth redundant internet protocol communication

STRATCOM View

            -- "We see an environment in which digital internet communication is more pervasive, reliable, efficient, cheap, and rapid - even with the enormous increase in volume, variety, and velocity of data" - 2006 Posture Statement

            -- "The goal is to create a National Command and Coordination Capability (NCCC) that not only meets national command and control requirements but can become the versatile and stable backbone of a nationally distributed network to meet other homeland security requirements" - 2007 Posture Statement

IRIS JCTD timeline

            -- Approved as FY07 JCTD by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (USD/AT&L) in July 06

            -- Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) approved in May 06

            -- JCTD needs were validated in Apr 06

            -- IRIS Implementing Directive approved by STRATCOM, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), AF Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC), Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Advanced Systems and Concepts (DUSD (AS&C))

JCTD Government Commitment

            -- $23M with $13M from SMC, and $10M from DUSD (AS&C)

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