(U) Milstar I

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)

Overview: (U)
(U)  The Milstar satellite system provides operational forces, especially highly mobile tactical units, secure, survivable, and flexible communications on a worldwide basis.  The Milstar system operates in a previously unused part of the radio spectrum:  Extremely High Frequency (EHF). This attribute plus other design features, like advanced signal processing and crosslinks, provide unique mission capabilities required by today's warfighters around the globe.

Description: (U)
(U) Milstar communication satellites provide protected (anti-jam) and survivable (anti-scintillation) communication services to maintain freedom of action during the deployment, maneuver, and engagement phases of military operations.  Milstar I satellites (Flight 1 and Flight 2) are equipped with an EHF Low Data Rate (LDR) payload which provides 192 highly survivable, minimal essential communications channels at 75 to 2400 bps. The Milstar satellites will be placed in geosynchronous orbits that  provide 24 hour coverage from 65 degrees north latitude to 65 degrees south latitude.  The EHF frequency band use allows for low probability of interception and detection, and anti-jamming.  Satellite cross links allow Milstar satellites to communicate without routing via intermediate ground stations.  Combinations of earth coverage, agile, wide and narrow spot beam antennas provide appropriate power levels for each type of earth terminal. 

(U) All strategic and nuclear users will migrate to EHF terminals using the Milstar satellites.  These SATCOM systems will provide one of two primary means to provide command and control of U.S. strategic nuclear forces.  

(U) The first Milstar satellite was launched on 7 Feb 94 and the second was launched on 6 Nov 95. 

User Impact: (U)
(U) The Milstar satellite system provides operational forces, especially highly mobile tactical units, secure, survivable, flexible communications on a worldwide basis.

Programmatics: (U)
(U) Operational/Programmed.
	(U) IOC: 03/1997 (2QFY1997).
	(U) FOC: 10/1999 (1QFY2000).
	(U) Termination: 10/2004 (1QFY2005).
		(U)  The termination date of 10/01/2004 is an approximate date based upon the projected IOC date for Milstar II  (10/01/2001)  an upgraded capability to Milstar I.

Related Initiatives: (U)
(U) Air Force Space Command (AFSPC), AN/USC-38 (V), Automated Comms Management Sys, Centaur, Command Post Terminals (CPTs), Eastern Range, ICBM EHF Terminals, Milstar II, SCAMP Terminal, SMART-T, Titan IVA, Titan IVB

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

Related Categories: (U)
(U) EHF Satellite Systems, MILSATCOM, Satellite Operations, Spacelift

Road Map Placements: (U)
(U) Major DoD Space Programs, MILSATCOM, National Security Space Road Map.

Lead Office: (U)
(U) Air Force.

Date of Information: (U)
01 February 1997

(The effects of any budget/program decisions made since the information was collected during 1997-98 are NOT reflected in the National Security Space Road Map (NSSRM).)