Milstar satellites provide a combination of capabilities unmatched by any other satellite communication system. These capabilities include worldwide, secure, survivable, and highly jam resistant communications; satellite-to-satellite communication; autonomous operation; the ability to reposition to meet theater requirements; and the ability to provide direct support to mobile forces.

As the Defense Department's most technologically advanced telecommunications system, Milstar, "switchboard-in-the sky" operational concept, is a departure from current satellite communication systems, and is considered revolutionary because the satellites handle all processing and traffic management chores without ground station relays, greatly enhancing data security and jam resistance.

Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space is now producing the next generation of Milstar Block II spacecraft that will ensure robust command and control for regional military deployments. Block II satellites feature medium data rate payloads and, when combined with the systems' existing low data rate payload, will measurably expand Milstar's utility during regional peacekeeping or combat missions. The first Block II satellite is expected to launch in 1999.

MilSpace - SpaceDaily Special Report

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SPACEDAILY

Athena Review Points to Payload Fairing
Denver - April 29, 1999 -
An Anomaly Investigation Team established by Lockheed Martin Astronautics has determined that, based on telemetry and flight data analysis, the Athena II's payload fairing did not separate properly.