Satellite Communications for Scientific Purposes: UNOLS Fleet Management and Polar Program Support

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The Rosensteil School at the University of Miami will continue operation of a satellite communications facility for scientific research purposes. Through a cooperative agreement between NASA and the University of Miami, operational control and scheduling of NASA's ATS-3 satellite has been turned over to the University. Limited use of the LES 9/8 DoD communications satellites has also been obtained. A modest communications facility has been established by the University in Malabar, Florida to facilitate usage of these satellites for NSF-sponsored research activities. The ocean sciences and Antarctic research communities have regularly scheduled access to the satellites for voice and data communications in support of remote research investigations. The ongoing work to be accomplished includes: 1) continued coordination of oceanographic and Antarctic ATS usage; 2) the study and implementation of other communications paths (utilizing LES 9/8 and INMARSAT systems) between high seas and Antarctic users and the continental U.S.; 3) providing the capability for direct satellite mediated data network access via DECnet, TCP/IP and other methods. The communications services provided by this facility are important to the successful completion of many research projects at sea and in Antarctica.