Ultrahigh Frequency Follow-On
Communications Satellite System
Mission
The Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (commonly referred to as UFO)
satellite system will be a nine satellite constellation for communications between U.S.
Navy ships, submarines, aircraft, ground units, and global ground stations. UFO will
replace the existing Fleet Satellite (FLTSAT) Communications System.
Each UFO satellite will possess 39 UHF communications channels (a 70
percent increase over Fleet Satellites).
The first UHF F/O was launched March 25, 1993. The Atlas II rocket
booster malfunctioned, placing the spacecraft in a dangerously low orbit. After
efforts by the 3rd Space Operations Squadron, Schriever AFB, Colo., the satellite
was prevented from crashing back to Earth and was finally placed in a safe, though
unusable, orbit.
The second UHF F/O satellite was launched September 3, 1993, and was
successfully placed in its proper orbit, becoming the first fully operational space-
craft in a planned nine-satellite constellation. Seven additional satellites have been
launched and placed in their proper orbits. The launch of the final satellite in the
constellation is planned for fall 1999.
The 3rd Space Operations Squadron currently performs launch and early
orbit and on-orbit operations. This includes mission planning, maneuvers, and
contact support. Shortly after Flight 10 is operational, control of the constellation
and all operations will be handed over to the Naval Space Operations Center at
Pt. Mugu, Calif. Command and control authority for Flights 2-9 have been officially
turned over from the 3rd Space Operations Squadron to the Naval Space Operations
Center at Pt. Mugu, Calif. This includes mission planning, maneuvers, and contact
support.
Features
The satellites will be arranged in pairs in four different locations
above the Earth for global coverage. The satellites will be launched at a rate of
up to three per year. The Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) and the Navy
Satellite Control Stations (NSCS) will provide telemetry, tracking, and commanding
(TT&C) coverage.
Each satellite provides 39 channels for Ultra High Frequency (UHF)
two-way communications, a Super High Frequency (SHF) anti-jam, command and
tracking link and communication uplink for fleet broadcast over UHF, and uses S-
band communications for the Space Ground Link Subsystem (SGLS). AFSCN TT&C.
Flights 4-10 (Block II) also carry an Extremely High Frequency (EHF) package for
secure, anti-jam communications, telemetry and commanding. Flights 8-10 (Block III)
add a Global Broadcast Service (GBS) package for one-way, high data-rate com-
munications in place of the SHF package.
The UFO satellite is built by Hughes Aircraft Company and is based on
their modular bolt-together HS 601 design. Each satellite will have a projected orbital
operational life of 14 years with an on-orbit storage life of four years. The satellite is
designed to operate for 30 days without ground contact if necessary.
For further information, please contact the public affairs office at:
50th Space Wing Public Affairs
300 O'Malley Ave, Suite 24
Schriever AFB, CO 80912-3024
(719) 567-5040
(Last updated on August 1999)
