Satellite communications: army exploring new ways to beam streaming video to fast-moving troops.

Johansen of Boeing Co., who is vying for the contract along with Lockheed Martin, said T-Sat could "revolutionize" satellite communications.

The decision on which of the satellite builders wins the contract may come as early December.

Meanwhile, Congress continues to question whether the Air Force should take money out of the T-Sat account and buy additional WGS or advanced EHF satellites.

T-Sat is a test of the "block approach" to developing satellites. The program calls for the services that will use the system to produce clear requirements, then for the builders to achieve technical milestones in increments before they proceed to the next block. Under this strategy, the first T-Sats to reach orbit will not have all the capabilities envisioned. Once the first blocks prove themselves in space, the second generation will become fully capable. This measured approach is designed to reduce risk and maintain a predictable schedule.

So far for T-Sat, the approach seems to be working, GAO found. Six of the seven critical technologies have been tested in relevant environment, it noted.

GAO warned that T-Sat will be one of the most costly and technically complex military systems ever attempted. It has a $14 billion to $16 billion price tag.

--STEW MAGNUSON WITH ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY SANDRA I. ERWIN

EMAIL COMMENTS TO SMAGNUSON@NDIA.ORG