This proposal represents the first specific task definitions and associated funding increments under the general scope of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the National Science Foundation Division of Polar Programs (NSF/DPP) and the Naval Underwater Systems Center (NUSC), New London Laboratory, New London, CT. The purpose of the MOA is to provide a framework for NUSC to provide analytical and experimental investigations into the applicability of burst mode communications techniques via meteor trails and ionospheric mechanisms and via high frequency (HF) radio using state-of-the-art link management technology (automatic link establishment, or ALE). NUSC will utilize its resources and research into similar issues in the Arctic to the benefit of both agencies. The work will characterize the performance of the significant HF propagation channels used for communications in the United States Antarctic Program (USAP), rigorously evaluate the performance of ALE technology in the souther polar region over USAP channels, make recommendations to the USAP suitable for use in medium range communications planning for HF systems modernization, and rigorously evaluate the absolute performance of burst mode communications and provide a relative comparison of the performance of competing burst mode technologies to assist the USAP in long range communications planning for the improvement of field party and inter-base communications for the USAP within Antarctica. The MOA outlines a broad definition of the problem areas that NUSC will investigate for NSF/DPP, and it does not define specific tasks or task funding levels. The specific tasks and associated funding are to be identified by the NSF/DPP as the need arises, and these tasks shall be managed under the framework of the MOA. This proposal represents the first explicit tasking to NUSC under the MOA.
