The Advanced Extremely High Frequency (EHF) spacecraft completed a structural test designed to validate the rigid characteristics of the satellite, Lockheed Martin announced April 19.

The modal survey, performed at Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Sunnyvale, Calif., is designed to ensure that launch and other sources of vibrations such as reaction wheels, solar arrays and various deployable and steerable mechanisms will not impact the operation of the communications payload.

The spacecraft will provide secure, communications for all warfighters serving under the U.S. Department of Defense, replacing the Milstar satellites. Lockheed Martin is under contract to provide the three Advanced EHF satellites, with the first scheduled to be launched in April 2008.