The downlink phased-array antenna developed by Northrop Grumman for the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) military satellite communications payload has completed range tests that confirmed performance predictions. The company will provide the Advanced EHF payloads to Lockheed Martin, prime contractor for the Advanced EHF system.
Test results demonstrated antenna gain and coverage performance in excess of requirements. The downlink phased-array antenna, which sends signal to ground terminals, will be the first of its kind to operate at 20 GHz in space. Advanced EHF will significantly increase capacity and connectivity over the legacy Milstar system through new phased-array antennas, advanced microelectronics, and efficient waveforms and protocols.
“The downlink phased array test was a key step in Advanced EHF payload flight production,” said Gabe Watson, vice president of the Advanced EHF payload program for Northrop Grumman’s space Technology sector. “Phased-array antennas are essential to our commitment to deliver protected and assured communications with increased capacity and connectivity to the US military.”
The Advanced EHF system will provide global, highly secure, protected, survivable communications for all warfighters serving under the US Department of Defense. Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide three Advanced EHF satellites and the mission control system to its customer, the MILSATCOM Joint Program Office, located at the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA.