buglerbilly
25-05-10, 03:01 AM
Ares
A Defense Technology Blog
New Photo: AEHF 1 FINALLY Delivered to USAF
Posted by Amy Butler at 5/24/2010 4:15 PM CDT
After years of delays and multibillion-dollar cost overruns, the first Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) communications satellite has been delivered to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., in preparation for a July 30 launch on an Atlas V rocket.
The spacecraft arrived early this morning at the launch site after a trip from Lockheed's satellite factory in Sunnyvale, Calif.
I realize Ares readers are used to pics of sexy, pointy aircraft and weapons exploding ... so forgive the shot of a box and a bunny suit. But, this is a multibillion piece of hardware. Its delivery is significant in Air Force Space Command's continued march to recapitalize a fleet of aging satellite systems. This is a picture of the satellite prior to delivery.
source: Lockheed Martin
AEHF will eventually replace the Milstar constellation in providing high-speed, jam-proof communications for commanders; this is the system that provides connectivity between the president and strategic forces in the event of a nuclear attack.
Canada, the Netherlands and United Kingdom are also participating in the program and will have access to capacity once in orbit. The second and third AEHF satellites are in various stages of testing; they are slated for delivery in 2011.
A Defense Technology Blog
New Photo: AEHF 1 FINALLY Delivered to USAF
Posted by Amy Butler at 5/24/2010 4:15 PM CDT
After years of delays and multibillion-dollar cost overruns, the first Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) communications satellite has been delivered to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., in preparation for a July 30 launch on an Atlas V rocket.
The spacecraft arrived early this morning at the launch site after a trip from Lockheed's satellite factory in Sunnyvale, Calif.
I realize Ares readers are used to pics of sexy, pointy aircraft and weapons exploding ... so forgive the shot of a box and a bunny suit. But, this is a multibillion piece of hardware. Its delivery is significant in Air Force Space Command's continued march to recapitalize a fleet of aging satellite systems. This is a picture of the satellite prior to delivery.
source: Lockheed Martin
AEHF will eventually replace the Milstar constellation in providing high-speed, jam-proof communications for commanders; this is the system that provides connectivity between the president and strategic forces in the event of a nuclear attack.
Canada, the Netherlands and United Kingdom are also participating in the program and will have access to capacity once in orbit. The second and third AEHF satellites are in various stages of testing; they are slated for delivery in 2011.