This photo shows an artist view of two milstar satellites, indicating the cross link capability that permits cross link communications to any satellite in the constellation.

Milstar is the newest and largest military communications satellite, over 10,000 pounds, and is deployed at synchronous altitude (22,300 miles) by a Titan/Centaur, It's solar panels generate over 8kw of power to meet the needs of it's highly advanced communications payload, which is designed to provide secure survivable worldwide communications for all of the United States military services.

The first Milstar satellite was launched on February 7, 1994, and the second launched November 6, 1995. More satellites will be launched over the next few years to enhance the constellation.

The Milstar system provides an integrated and completely interoperable secure and dependable intercommunications between the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. It uses the latest digital communications elements including comprehensive on board computer system to provide voice, teletype, fax and data between mobile forces world wide. It utilizes UHF, SHF and EHF rf waveforms to provide highly jam resistant links between the satellites and the user terminals.

Milstar is comprised of three main segments: The space segment, the Terminal segment, and the Control segment. Terminals have been provided for a wide variety of users including aircraft, ships, submarines, combat vehicles, and mobile and fixed ground stations. The control segment is used to configure and control the space craft and the communications system.