During the next few months, Lockheed Martin will begin integrating the payload module with its A2100 satellite bus and other space vehicle components, followed by environmental and acceptance testing of the fully integrated space vehicle in preparation for launch in 2009.

One AEHF Satellite will provide greater total capacity than the entire Milstar constellation currently on-orbit. Individual user data rates will be five times improved. The higher data rates will permit transmission of tactical military communication such as real-time video, battlefield maps and targeting data. In addition to it critical tactical mission, AEHF will also provide the critical survivable, protected, and endurable communications to National Command Authority including Presidential conferencing in all levels of conflict.

The payload module consists of the complete set of processing, routing and control hardware and software that perform the satellite's communications function, including critical features to protect the communications against interception or jamming threats.

"Northrop Grumman has built our expertise in developing protected military satellite communications systems through decades of experience evolving these unique capabilities," said Alexis Livanos, Northrop Grumman corporate vice president and president of the company's Space Technology sector. "The consistent early delivery of Advanced EHF payloads is a testament to the experience of our team and the effectiveness of our processes in developing these very complex communication systems."

Northrop Grumman is following a timely "stepped" schedule whereby the major payload components are delivered to Lockheed Martin as they are needed for integration and test, enhancing efficiency during assembly. The second payload's antenna wings, for example, will be delivered later this year. Integration of the third payload module is also underway and on schedule for delivery next year.

"Early delivery of this sophisticated payload is another example of our team's commitment to operational excellence and timely execution of this critical protected satellite communications system," said Leonard F. Kwiatkowski, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of Global Communications Systems. "We look forward to our continued positive momentum and achieving mission success for our customer."

Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide three Advanced EHF satellites and the Mission Control System to its customer, the Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, located at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. The program is in the early stages of adding a fourth spacecraft to the planned constellation.

Technologies and products developed for Advanced EHF are directly applicable to other military satellite communications programs, such as the Transformational Satellite Communications System and Enhanced Polar System, providing a substantial reduction in risk and cost to those programs.

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