UFO (UHF Follow-On) satellites
A new generation of United States Navy ultra-high-frequency communications
satellites in geostationary
orbits designed to replace the FLTSATCOM
(Fleet Satellite Communications) and Leasat
systems. They are bigger, more powerful, and have more channels than their
predecessors but are compatible with the same terminals on the ground. UFO
4 to 9 carry an EHF (extremely high frequency) communications payload that
enables the UHF (ultrahigh frequency) network to connect to the Milstar
system. UFO 8 to 10 also carry a payload called the Global Broadcast Service
which can relay reconnaissance images and other data to a greater number
of users at higher rates than any previous defense satellite. With the launch
of the tenth satellite in November 1999 the UFO constellation was completed.
It is controlled from the Naval Satellite Operations Center (NAVSOC) at
Point Mugu, California.
Related category
• SATELLITES
AND SPACE PROBES
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