[Satellite Today – 6-30-08] The first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) military communications satellite is undergoing thermal vacuum tests designed to gauge performance in space, satellite manufacturer Lockheed Martin announced June 30.
    Following completion of spacecraft thermal vacuum testing in late July, Lockheed Martin Space Systems, the satellite’s prime contractor, and Northrop Grumman Space Technology, the payload supplier, will perform environmental test data analysis and remaining integration and test activities
The spacecraft, which will provide secure communications for U.S. warfighters, is scheduled to be delivered to the U.S. Air Force in early 2009 in preparation for launch.
    Lockheed Martin is under contract to provide three Advanced EHF satellites to the Air Force and a fourth spacecraft is being planned.