AEHF provides global, secure, protected, and jam-resistant military communications. It enhances the previous Milstar satellites and operates at a much higher capacity and data rate. It offers secure, anti-jam tactical and strategic communications around the world.
AEHF uses cross-linked satellites, eliminating the need for ground relay stations. The program is a collaboration with Canada, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
SV-4 launched on Oct. 17, 2018; full operational capability was declared when the vehicle joined the constellation on May 3, 2019. SV-5 launched Aug. 8, 2019, and SV-6 launched from Cape Canaveral on March 26, 2020, marking the newly formed USSF’s first launch. SV-6 became operational after completing on-orbit checks on Aug. 22, 2020, completing the constellation.
USSF plans to begin replacing AEHF with the next-generation Evolved Strategic SATCOM (ESS) for nuclear C2 starting in the early 2030s, while developing Protected Tactical SATCOM (PTS) to relive AEHF of providing contested battlefield comms.
Both Boeing and Northrop Grumman received ESS prototype contracts ahead of a competitive selection expected this year. USSF is developing the Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) to enable global anti-jam, low probability of intercept comms. PTES waveforms will initially be fielded on WGS, later expanding commercial satellites and eventually to PTS.
USSF plans to complete prototype PTS payloads in FY25 for hosted launch on WGS-11 as well as a second stand-alone satellite.
Advanced Extremely High Frequency Satellite System Technical Data
Contractors: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman.
Operator/Location: USSF SpOC; Schriever SFB, Colo.
First Launch: August 2010.
IOC: 2015.
Design Life: 14 years.
Launch Vehicle: Atlas V.
Constellation: Six.
Active Satellites: •AEHF SV-1. Launched in 2010, on orbit and operational. •AEHF SV-2. Launched in 2012, on orbit and operational. •AEHF SV-3. Launched in 2013, on orbit and operational. •AEHF SV-4. Launched in 2018, on orbit and operational. •AEHF SV-5. Launched in 2019, on orbit and operational. •AEHF SV-6. Launched in 2020, on orbit and operational. Dimensions: Length 31 ft, width 98 ft (with full solar array extension).
Dimensions: Length 31 ft, width 98 ft (with full solar array extension).
Weight: 13,400 lb.
Performance: 24-hr low, medium, and extended data rate connectivity from 65 north to 65 south latitude worldwide.
Orbit Altitude: Geosynchronous at 22,000+ miles.
Power: Solar arrays generating 20,000 watts.
