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Milstar satellite overview LOCKHEED MARTIN FACT SHEET Posted: April 1, 2003 Lockheed Martin Space Systems is the prime contractor for Milstar, a military satellite communications system that provides the Department of Defense and troops in the field with reliable, secure, jam-proof communications between fixed-site, mobile, and portable terminals.
Milstar is the first satellite communications system of any kind that uses signal processing algorithms on the satellites, allowing commanders from every service to establish customized networks within minutes. Current networks must be configured on the ground, require multiple remote locations, and can take weeks to establish using existing commercial and military systems. Of the five Milstar satellites that constitute the constellation, two first-generation Milstar Block I were deployed in 1994 and 1995. Block I satellites feature a low data rate payload built by TRW Space and Electronics Group, El Segundo, CA, and two satellite crosslink antennas, built by Boeing Satellite Systems , El Segundo, CA. Both of the Milstar I spacecraft, DFS-1 and DFS-2, were launched on Lockheed Martin Titan boosters from Cape Canaveral Air Station, FL. Three subsequent launches will each deploy a second-generation Milstar Block II spacecraft (DFS-4 through DFS-6), which carry the low data rate payload and a medium-data-rate payload. DFS-4 through DFS-6 will operate in conjunction with both Block I satellites. The DFS-4 spacecraft was launched in 2001; DFS-5 launched in 2002.
This combination of data rates and operational frequencies provides U.S. military forces with capabilities not available on current Defense Satellite Communications System satellites or by commercial systems. These capabilities include immunity to jamming and interception and increased mobility for sea, air and ground forces. The Milstar satellite provides enhanced communication security by frequency hopping -- a first for communication satellites.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems ã Sunnyvale Operations, Sunnyvale, CA, is the prime contractor. TRW Space and Electronics Group provides the low data rate payload. Boeing Satellite Systems is providing the medium data rate payload for Milstar Block II. Space Systems ã Denver provides the Titan IV launch vehicle and the wide-body Centaur upper stage. Milstar launches are managed by the 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, FL.
General Characteristics
Milstar Satellite:
Milstar Low Data Rate Payload:
Antenna arrays:
Milstar Medium Data Rate Payload:
Milstar Frequencies:
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