Fltsatcom - Credit: USAF. 18,489 bytes. 325 x 304 pixels.

The FLTSATCOM system provides world-wide, 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 stabilised. 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.

Design Life: 7 years. Total Length: 1.3 m. Maximum Diameter: 2.5 m. Total Mass: 2,032 kg.

Fleet Satellite Communications. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit

Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit

Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit

Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit

The FLTSATCOM system provided world-wide, high-priority UHF communications between naval aircraft, ships, submarines, and ground stations and between the Strategic Air Command and the national command authority network.

Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit

Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit

Last in series of 8. Spacecraft engaged in practical applications and uses of space technology such as weather or communication (US Cat C). Launch vehicle put payload into geosynchronous transfer orbit

• 5 - Krebs, Gunter, Gunter's Space Page, University of Frankfurt, 1996. HTML when accessed: http://www.skyrocket.de/space