The USAF Space and Missile Systems Center has awarded a contract to United Launch Alliance to perform the launch services for the advanced extremely high-frequency-3 (AEHF-3) satellite.

The AEHF-3 satellite is scheduled to launch aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle in the summer of 2012, from the Space Launch Complex-41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Go deeper with GlobalData

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The third instalment of the AEHF system will provide ten times higher capacity and five times higher channel data rates compared to the existing Milstar II communications satellites.

Higher data rates will permit transmission of tactical military communications such as real-time video, battlefield maps and targeting data.

The AEHF-3 satellite will be launched using three Aerojet solid rocket motors, a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10A upper stage engine, a 5m-diameter upper stage and a composite payload fairing.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Airforce Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Airforce Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.


Excellence in Action
Discover how Virtualitics is transforming mission readiness with explainable AI, predictive maintenance, and data-driven decision intelligence across the U.S. Department of Defense through its AI-powered Integrated Readiness Optimization suite, for which it has won the Innovation and Business Expansion awards.

Discover the Impact