The United States Space Force‘s Space and Missile Systems Center’s Production Corps has now successfully transferred Satellite Control Authority of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Space Vehicle 6 to Space Operations Command — this occurred on October 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 a United Launch Alliance Atlas 551 rocket under strict COVID-19 restrictions. The subsequent orbit raising to GEO 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 final one of six AEHF satellites launched and the first launch under the U.S. Space Force (SSF).
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.