Lockheed Martin completed static loads testing of the second Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) satellite structure, the company announced Nov. 7. The test demonstrated that the structure can carry the physical loads it will experience during the manufacturing, launch and operation.

The platform, a Lockheed Martin A2100, has been delivered to Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif., to begin a modal survey, which will ensure that sources of vibration such as reaction wheels, solar arrays and steerable mechanisms will not have a negative impact on the communications payload.

Advanced EHF satellites, the follow on to the Milstar system, will provide secure, communications for the U.S. Department of Defense. The platform for the first Advanced EHF satellite, scheduled for launch in 2007, is undergoing acceptance testing prior to integration of the propulsion subsystem components.

Lockheed Martin is the prime contract for the Advanced EHF program, while Northrop Grumman is providing the communications payload.