Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Sunnyvale, Calif., has completed tests of the U.S. Air Force’s second Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite that verify the satellite’s ability to operate in high-data-rate mode with certain user terminals, according to an Oct. 28 Lockheed Martin press release.
Completion of the so-called intersegment system testing certifies the satellite will be able to deliver secure, jam-resistant data at speeds up to 8 megabits per second, the press release said.
The first AEHF satellite was successfully launched Aug. 14, but an on-board propulsion system that was supposed to lift it from a parking orbit most of the way to geostationary orbit failed. The Air Force is currently executing a contingency plan that it believes will get the satellite to its proper orbit by summer 2011.
The second AEHF satellite is planned for launch next year. Lockheed Martin is under contract to deliver four AEHF spacecraft.
