Advanced (EHF MILSATCOM (Space)

Abstract

Develop and acquire Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) satellites, mission control segment and cryptography for survivable, anti-jam, worldwide, secure communications for the strategic and tactical warfighters. AEHF satellites will replenish the existing EHF system (Milstar) providing much higher capacity and data rate (5x increase over Milstar II) capabilities. AEHF is a cooperative program that includes International Partners (Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands). Space Vehicle-1 (SV-1) launched on 14 August 2010. SV-1 experienced a propulsion anomaly and is being raised to its geostationary orbit using alternative orbit raising techniques. SV-1 is projected to reach its on-orbit checkout location in August 2011. SV-2 is in storage and has a No-Earlier-Than (NET) 2QFY12 launch availability. The FY12 funds efforts such as SV-2 launch and on-orbit test & operations support, incremental Mission Control Segment (MCS) development including ground mobile command and control, test/fielding and support, and studies/analyses as required. With SV-1 launched and SV-2 in storage, the AEHF program has nearly completed its development phase and is now addressing obsolescence, production continuity, supplier stability and industrial base issues. The Evolutionary Acquisition for Space Efficiency (EASE) approach is designed to address obsolescence issues (e.g., SV-6 crypto redevelopment, obsolescence/Diminishing Manufacturing Sources studies) as well as implement a Capability and Affordability Improvement (CAIP) program for SVs 7-8 that will employ key engineering staff with savings realized from a production block buy of satellites (i.e., SVs 5-6). The FY12 funds focus on parts obsolescence and risk reduction activities informed by the FY11 Space Communications Layer (JSCL) Materiel Solutions Analysis (MSA). The fielding of new capabilities will be based on technical maturity to prevent introducing undue risk. Future architecture development occurs in parallel to develop the next generation capability and encourage advanced technological concepts. This program is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes, since it funds Advanced EHF technology validation and modeling.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: 0603430F_4_3600_PB_2012
• Change Summary Explanation: FY12 funds were adjusted to address AEHF Capability and Affordability Insertion Program (CAIP) ramp management; funding is sufficient to address parts obsolescence and risk reduction of key technologies required to enhance AEHF.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Acquisition
• Air Force
• Artificial Satellites
• Command And Control
• Contractors
• Cost Analysis
• Costs
• Data Rate
• Department Of Defense
• Engineering
• Extremely High Frequency
• Geosynchronous Orbits
• Lessons Learned
• Military Satellites
• Satellite Communications
• Spacecraft
• Test And Evaluation

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Cyber - Quantum
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control
• Space
• Space - Satellites