The DDS have developed a cheap and "disposable" low-orbit satellite for battlefield communications. Until now ships in orbit have provided communications for ground forces but this is wasteful in terms of ship deployment. Under a new scheme an array of satellites will be deployed over a battlezone to provide secure high bandwidth communications and targeting information.
The satellites will be built on demand by a custom built automated fabrication facility which will be carried by an Extender or Provider transport and is around the size of a standard cargo container. The facility will be able to produce a new satellite in minutes and they will have an estimated life-span of 6 months. Following use existing satellites will be "recycled".
