The last in a series of powerful medium-data-rate (MDR) communications payloads for the U.S. Air Force Milstar satellite program was shipped by Hughes Space and Communications Co. [GMH] to Lockheed Martin Space Systems [LMT] recently.

The MDR payload provides jam-resistant communications to the military through unique onboard signal and data processing capabilities. Hughes is responsible for supplying the MDR communications and crosslink payloads on Milstar. The company subcontracts with TRW Inc. [TRW] for the MDR antennas and digital subsystem. Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor, is responsible for the space and mission control segments of the program.

“Our work on Milstar is complete, but the legacy continues,” said Tig Krekel, HSC president and CEO. “We are leveraging our systems integration, manufacturing and digital processing experienced on both commercial and government new programs. We look forward to continuing our team effort with Lockheed and TRW for the Milstar follow-on, the Advanced EHF system.”