AEHF-6 Satellite Control Authority Transferred to Space Operations Command

The Space and Missile Systems Center’s Production Corps successfully transferred Satellite Control Authority of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Space Vehicle 6 to Space Operations Command on Oct 29. Operational Acceptance is expected to occur before the end of the year after operational testing has successfully concluded. The 4th Space Operation Squadron will exercise operational control as the satellite is integrated into the constellation.

SV- 06 successfully launched on March 26 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on an Atlas 551 rocket under strict COVID-19 restrictions. The subsequent orbit raising to a Geo-Stationary orbit and performance testing were completed in August. Testing was conducted from seven locations across the country that involved nine organizations and more than 100 space professionals. This is the last of six AEHF satellites launched and the first launch under the U.S. Space Force. 

SV-06 completes the Milstar/AEHF constellation.  The constellation system provides critical Nuclear Communications, Command and Control capabilities for national decision makers and warfighters in support of the country’s national security posture. The system provides global, assured, protected, jam-resistant communications through all conditions to include nuclear confrontation.

The U.S Space Force’s Space and Missile Systems Center, located at the Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, is the center of excellence for acquiring and developing military space systems. Its portfolio includes the Global Positioning System, military satellite communications, defense meteorological satellites, space launch and range systems, satellite control networks, space based infrared systems, and space situational awareness capabilities.