SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Lockheed Martin recently put its fifth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF-5) satellite through its paces in realistic simulations of its future launch experience. The satellite completed the tests successfully and is now in system-level testing in preparation for delivery to the U.S. Air Force in 2019.
For the 39 days of Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVAC) testing, AEHF-5 was subjected to extreme cold and heat in zero atmosphere, to simulate its upcoming on-orbit life. TVAC is a part of a battery of tests that ensure a satellite will arrive in space functionally sound and ready to operate through the extreme temperature changes of space.
Following the TVAC test series, AEHF-5 completed acoustic testing, where the satellite was subjected to high intensity, low frequency sound waves that simulated the vibrations generated by a rocket propelling its payload from zero to over 17,500 miles per hour in under eight minutes.
After years of development, the AEHF program is in its procurement phase. The U.S. Air Force assumed control of the third spacecraft in April 2014. Although the fourth AEHF satellite was to launch in 2017, delivery to orbit was delayed until 2018 so technicians could modify a faulty power regulator. All six spacecraft are scheduled to be in orbit by 2019.
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