Air Force set to launch fifth advanced communication satellite
The Air Force is set to launch another Advanced Extremely High-Frequency satellite later this month.
The Lockheed Martin-built satellite will add to a constellation that helps protect highly sensitive communications through advanced anti-jamming technology.
The satellite will be the fifth of a planned six-satellite group, according to Lockheed Martin. The system reached initial operational capability in July 2015. The technology utilizes several methods from a jam-resistant waveform to noise pinpointing to ensure high-level communication is protected against adversary blocking.
The system works to ensure both U.S. national security communication and international communication is maintained. For instance, the president and Joint Chiefs of Staff utilize the system’s communication links. Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom are also served by the system, according to Lockheed Martin.
The initial launch date was scheduled for last month, but a battery issue delayed its launch the new launch will take place “no earlier than” July 9. The satellite will launch from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
