The AEHF program uses a streamlined approach to design, build, launch and support a constellation of protected communications satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The first phase, the Advanced EHF Technology Program, is complete, and the second phase, the Engineering Model program, was completed at the end of FY00. The system-level program was initiated with a System Definition phase. This phase is followed by an EMD/Production phase for the design and production of five satellites and associated Mission Control Segment upgrades. The System Definition phase began in October 1999 as a competitive phase with two competing contractor teams tasked to analyze the requirements and develop system designs. This phase includes System Requirements Reviews and System Design Reviews. The EMD/Production award to the National Team is planned for March 2001. The first launch (Pathfinder) is scheduled for 1QFY05, the second launch for 1QFY07, the third launch nine months later, and the last two on six-month centers. The last satellite will be an on-orbit spare.

OT&E will evaluate whether or not the entire system, including equipment, personnel, procedures, training, and logistics support is effective and suitable based on the operational requirements. The Multi-Service Operational Test and Evaluation (MOT&E) program will commence after the launch of Flight 2, which will be the first satellite operating in the Advanced EHF mode. It will consist of mission testing using service terminals on operational communications networks, testing of overall mission control capabilities, assessment of system threat survivability, and evaluation of system suitability. The test will exercise satellite-to-satellite cross-links to evaluate theater-to-theater communications, network control, satellite control and interoperability. Activities will include: monitoring key DT&E events, combined DT/OT test events, updating ongoing simulation efforts with DT&E results to provide assessments not possible directly through testing, observation of voice and teletype traffic on operational networks, and dedicated MOT&E.

The initial Operational Assessment Review will be conducted using data from the Engineering Model and Technology Programs. In addition, an OA will look at the results of the DT/OT performed on the Pathfinder satellite to verify its full capability to function as a Milstar II Medium Data Rate (MDR) satellite.

The Engineering Model of TRW's AEHF satellite digital processor was tested in 4QFY00 at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory SATCOM test facilities. Basic functionality of the processor concept and the feasibility of Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying modulation were demonstrated. Problem areas were identified which have helped the Program Office to characterize the areas of highest technical risk. The Program Office will follow the resolution of these problems.

This is an ambitious program due to the objective of accelerating the launch of the first satellite while maintaining a fixed-price contract development of an advanced system. The nature of the contract and the combined Milestone II/III require the entire test community to adequately define the overall strategy and master test plan very early in the program.

• It is imperative that the OA, based on DT/OT, thoroughly verify the backward compatibility and full MDR functionality of the Pathfinder satellite. This one-of-a-kind satellite will fill a critical gap in our secure communication network for at least two years.

• It is imperative that the Milestone II/III TEMP contain sufficient detail in the Measures of Effectiveness and MOT&E plan to fully define the level of effort and resources required by all participants.