AEHF

AEHF
USAF (Los Angeles AFB) · Public domain · source
Name	Advanced Extremely High Frequency
Acronym	AEHF
Nation	United States
Operator	United States Space Force
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Applications	Strategic communications for United States Department of Defense
Status	Active

AEHF The Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system is a series of secure, survivable satellite communications spacecraft providing long-haul, protected communications for strategic and tactical users. Operated by the United States Space Force and developed through programs involving the United States Air Force, National Reconnaissance Office, and Defense Information Systems Agency, AEHF connects a wide array of platforms including Boeing, Lockheed Martin platforms, and assets across the United States Armed Forces, allied militaries, and national leadership. The program integrates technologies and doctrines influenced by historical programs such as Milstar, Wideband Global SATCOM, and operations tied to conflicts like the Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism.

Overview

AEHF is a constellation designed to deliver protected, jam-resistant communications using extremely high frequency bands to support strategic command and control. The architecture supports users from White House-level strategic decision makers to tactical units like United States Army brigades, United States Navy carrier strike groups, and United States Marine Corps expeditionary forces. The system interfaces with ground nodes such as Joint Staff, Northern Command, and theater commands including Central Command and European Command. AEHF's mission scope spans relationships with allies like United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia and leverages industrial partners including Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Raytheon.

Development and Procurement

Development traces to requirements set after the Cold War era and was formalized under acquisition authorities in the Department of Defense and program offices within the United States Air Force Space Command. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, integrated payload elements from subcontractors including Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. Procurement used milestone reviews from agencies like the Defense Acquisition University and involved budget approvals within the United States Congress and committees such as the Senate Armed Services Committee and House Armed Services Committee. Program milestones paralleled other national programs like Milstar and were influenced by policies from the National Security Council and standards from NATO interoperability initiatives.

Technical Specifications and Capabilities

AEHF satellites use phased-array antennas and crosslinking to provide anti-jam, low probability of intercept communications. Each spacecraft incorporates bus technologies developed by Lockheed Martin Space, thermal systems akin to those in Hubble Space Telescope servicing heritage, and power systems similar to International Space Station arrays. The payload operates in the EHF band and provides protected communications comparable to predecessors such as Milstar, while delivering higher data rates like those from Wideband Global SATCOM. Onboard processors use heritage from Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency initiatives and cryptographic suites aligned with National Institute of Standards and Technology and National Security Agency guidance. The constellation supports crosslinking and interoperability with systems like GPS timing references and terrestrial nodes including Schriever Space Force Base and Vandenberg Space Force Base.

Operational History

AEHF satellites have been launched across multiple missions supported by launch providers such as United Launch Alliance using Atlas V and Delta IV Heavy vehicles. Operational employment has supported contingencies in theaters overseen by United States Central Command and United States Indo-Pacific Command, and integrated with assets from Royal Air Force, Canadian Armed Forces, and Australian Defence Force. The constellation has provided continuity for presidential communications during exercises involving North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners and contributed to operations like Operation Enduring Freedom. Program challenges echoed those seen in F-35 Lightning II development and drew oversight from watchdogs including the Government Accountability Office.

International Users and Partnerships

AEHF hosts allied capacity for nations partnering under cooperative agreements with the United States. Partner nations include Canada, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and Australia through bilateral and multilateral arrangements similar to partnerships in GPS and MILSATCOM programs. Partner procurements and data-sharing arrangements navigate export controls managed by Department of State and compliance with regimes like the Wassenaar Arrangement. Collaborative support involves exchanges among defense establishments such as the Canadian Department of National Defence, Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom), and Australian Department of Defence.

Launch and Ground Segment=

Launches for AEHF used vehicles from United Launch Alliance and launch facilities such as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Vandenberg Space Force Base. The ground segment comprises mission control centers and terminals at locations including Schriever Space Force Base, Fort Mead, and allied sites aligned with NATO Command and national nodes like White Sands Missile Range. Ground terminals include mobile and fixed units compatible with platforms like C-17 Globemaster III, B-52 Stratofortress, and Arleigh Burke-class destroyer communications suites, linking to networks operated by agencies like the Defense Information Systems Agency and staffs such as Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Future Upgrades and Planned Replacements

Planned evolution includes incremental capability upgrades, leveraging technologies advanced by DARPA, Air Force Research Laboratory, and commercial innovation from companies like SpaceX and OneWeb for complementary services. Long-term replacement concepts consider architectures akin to follow-on constellations and programs influenced by National Defense Authorization Act directives, interoperability with future systems such as Next-Generation ATC, and standards from organizations like NATO and European Space Agency. Congressional oversight and budget authorities will guide procurement pathways under the auspices of Office of the Secretary of Defense and associated program executive offices.

Category:Military satellites