FLTSATCOM
Fleet Satellite Communications

The FLTSATCOM system provides worldwide, high-priority UHF communications between naval aircraft, ships, submarines, and ground stations and between the Strategic Air Command and the national command authority network. Fully operational in January 1981, the FLTSATCOM constellation is being replaced by the UFO (UHF Follow-on) spacecraft.

Spacecraft
3-Axis stabilized. Two solar arrays (13.2 m across) generate >1400 W. Three hexagonal modules with aluminum structure. Hydrazine propulsion system for stationkeeping (120 kg fuel).

Payload
Twelve transponders with UHF/SHF uplink and UHF downlink. Large 4.9 meter diameter UHF receive antenna of silver-filled mesh. Offset mast UHF transmit antenna. Flights 6 and 7 carried experimental EHF transponder (20 W) to evaluate new ground terminals.

Country of Origin	United States
Customer/User	USAF, Naval Space and Warfare Systems Command
Manufacturer(s)	TRW
Size	2.5 m dia. x 1.3 m high
Orbit	Geosynchronous
Design Life	7 years

Launch Facts

Name	Int'l Desig.	Date	Site	Vehicle	Orbit	Mass(kg)
Notes
FltSatCom 1	1978-016A	2/9/78	ESMC	Atlas Centaur	GEO	1884
Fleet Satellite Communications
FltSatCom 2	1979-038A	5/4/79	ESMC	Atlas Centaur	GEO	1884
FltSatCom 3	1980-004A	1/18/80	ESMC	Atlas Centaur	GEO	1884
FltSatCom 4	1980-087A	10/31/80	ESMC	Atlas Centaur	GEO	1800
FltSatCom 5	1981-073A	8/6/81	ESMC	Atlas Centaur	GEO	1884
FltSatCom 7	1986-096A	12/5/86	ESMC	Atlas Centaur	GEO	2310
FltSatCom 6	none	3/26/87	ESMC	Atlas Centaur	FTO	2300
Destroyed by range safety
FltSatCom 8	1989-077A	9/25/89	ESMC	Atlas Centaur	GEO	2310
Last in series of 8