Milstar

Constellation of American military satellites MilstarArtist's impression of a Milstar Block I spacecraftManufacturerLockheed Martin (prime, formerly Lockheed Missiles and Space)Northrop Grumman (formerly TRW)Boeing (formerly Hughes)Country of originUnited StatesOperatorU.S. Space ForceApplicationsMilitary communications SpecificationsBusMilstar Block IMilstar Block IILaunch mass4,500 kilograms (9,900 lb)RegimeGeosynchronousDesign life10 years ProductionStatusOut of productionActiveBuilt6Launched6Operational5[citation needed]Lost1Maiden launchUSA-99, 1994-02-07Last launchUSA-169, 2003-04-08 Milstar (Military Strategic and Tactical Relay) is a constellation of military communications satellites in geosynchronous orbit, which are operated by the United States Space Force, and provide secure and jam-resistant worldwide communications to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces of the United States. Six spacecraft were launched between 1994 and 2003, of which only five were operational after launch; the third launch failed, both damaging the satellite and leaving it in an unusable orbit. History Milstar Block I spacecraft, or Milstar Developmental Flight Satellite (DFS)-1 and -2, were