AEHF encapsulated for launch

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- The third Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite built by Lockheed Martin has been encapsulated into its payload fairing in preparation for a Sept. 18 liftoff aboard an Atlas V from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The system is the nation's only protected strategic and tactical satellite communications program. It works in concert with its predecessor, Milstar, for global coverage. Lockheed Martin is under contract to deliver six AEHF satellites and the Mission Control Segment. AEHF-1 and AEHF-2 are both in orbit and AEHF-4 is progressing on schedule. (Source: Lockheed Martin, 09/11/13) Gulf Coast note: Work on the AEHF core propulsion system is done at Stennis Space Center, Miss. Previous