(U) Milstar II

(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) Milstar II is an enhancement to the Milstar I capability and is equipped with the Extremely High Frequency  (EHF) Low Data Rate (LDR)  payload of Milstar I satellites (Flights 1 and 2) and an additional EHF Medium Data Rate (MDR) payload which provides increased tactical capabilities, including higher data rates to mobile forces and "nulling" that will neutralize close-in enemy jammers.

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 II satellites are equipped with the EHF LDR payload of Milstar I satellites (Flights 1 and 2) and an additional EHF Medium Data Rate (MDR) payload which provides increased tactical capabilities, including higher data rates to mobile forces and "nulling" that will neutralize close-in enemy jammers.  The Milstar II MDR payload provides 32 channels at 4.8 to 1544 kbps.  The use of the EHF frequency band allows for low probability of interception and detection, and anti-jamming.  Combinations of earth coverage, agile, wide and narrow spot beam antennas provide appropriate power levels for each type of earth terminal.  Satellite cross links allow Milstar satellites to communicate without routing via intermediate ground stations.  Four Milstar II satellites are currently under construction.  DFS-3 was originally ordered as a Milstar I satellite, but is being modified to carry the MDR payload.  Milstar II satellites 3-6 are scheduled for launch in FY99/00/01/02.  The Milstar satellites will be placed in geosynchronous orbits that  provide 24 hour coverage from 65 degrees north latitude to 65 degrees south latitude.  

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) Programmed.
	(U) IOC: 10/2001 (1QFY2002).
	(U) FOC: 10/2004 (1QFY2005).
	(U) Termination: 01/2008 (2QFY2008).
		(U)  The termination date of 10/01/2008 is an approximate date based upon the projected IOC date for Advanced EHF (01/01/2006) a Follow-On capability to the Milstar II satellites.

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

Related Requirements: (U)
(U) None.

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

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).)