Functionalities required for the Disaster Management Satellite Communication System

Current and Future

Abstract

LASCOM has been operating the disaster management satellite communication network since 1991. It was used as an indispensable network, especially in case of national disasters like the Great East Japan Earthquake. Over 20 years after, many local governments have faced the difficulty to repair and replace the satellite earth station. Some local towns and cities have stopped installing the new satellite station because of their tight financial conditions. On the other hand, the required functionalities of the network have been changed over time. IP data communications, Internet access and video forwarding & sharing have got more priorities. In order to accommodate those requirements, the base technologies of the network have to be changed to the globally adopted one. This paper examines the changing requirements and proposes the needed functionalities and technologies for the satellite network.