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New Milstar launches from Cape

Story ID 03-086
April 10, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Air Force Space Command News Service
Courtesy of 45th Public Affairs Office

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- A military communications satellite called "Milstar" was successfully launched April 8 by the U.S. Air Force from here on a Titan IV-B rocket.

The Milstar satellite cleanly separated from its Centaur upper stage and was placed into its proper orbit. The satellite should be fully operational in May.

Milstar is a joint service satellite communications system that provides secure, jam-resistant, worldwide communications to meet essential wartime requirements for high-priority military users. The five-satellite constellation links command authorities with a wide variety of resources, including ships, submarines, aircraft and ground stations.

Milstar is the most advanced military communications satellite system to date. Allied warfighters in Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM are heavily reliant on the Milstar constellation. It played a key role in the command and control of forces involved in the recent rescue of former POW Private First Class Jessica Lynch.

"This satellite system is a critical communication asset for each branch of the military," said Lt. Col. Tony Cotton, 3rd Space Launch Squadron commander and Air Force launch director for this mission. "It allows our highest level military leaders to communicate with battlefield commanders. Our secure communication capabilities on and off the battlefield are greatly improved with the use of this satellite constellation."