FLTSATCOM-1

Launch Success

Liftoff Time (GMT)

21:17:01

Thursday February 9, 1978

Watch Replay

24/7 Coverage

Mission Details

FLTSATCOM-1

Wiki

The US Navy's FLTSATCOM (Fleet Satellite Communications System) is a constellation of five operational satellites used by both the Navy and Air Force as well as the presidential command network. The system, with a design life of five years, serves as a secure communications link between the three users. Each FLTSATCOM spacecraft has 23 communications channels in ultra-high and super-high frequency bands. Ten of the channels are used by the Navy for worldwide communications among its land, sea, and air forces. Twelve of the channels are used by the Air Force as part of the Air Force Satellite Communications System for command and control of nuclear-capable forces. A 500-kilohertz channel on the satellite is allotted to National Command Authority.

Geostationary Transfer Orbit

1 Payload

1,883 kilograms

Rocket

Retired
Atlas-SLV3D Centaur-D1AR

Active 1975 to 1983


Stages

2

Launch Site

SLC-36A

Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Fastest Turnaround

46 days 2 hours

Stats

Atlas-Centaur


44th

Mission

2nd

Mission of 1978

1978


16th

Orbital launch attempt