New Milstar launches from Cape

  • Published
"Milstar," a military communications satellite, launched from here on a Titan IV-B rocket April 8.

The satellite was placed into its proper orbit and should be fully operational in May.

Milstar is a joint service communications satellite system that provides secure, jam-resistant, worldwide communications to meet essential wartime requirements for high-priority military users. The five-satellite constellation links command authorities with a wide variety of resources, including ships, submarines, aircraft and ground stations.

Milstar is the most advanced military communications satellite system to date. Allied warfighters in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are heavily reliant on the Milstar constellation, according to Air Force Space Command officials.

"This satellite system is a critical communication asset for each branch of the military," said Lt. Col. Tony Cotton, 3rd Space Launch Squadron commander. "It allows our ... military leaders to communicate with battlefield commanders. Our secure communication capabilities on and off the battlefield are greatly improved with the use of this satellite constellation." (Courtesy of AFSPC News Service)