NEXT SPACEFLIGHT

Status

Success

FLTSATCOM-7 (USA-20)

Launch Time
Fri Dec 05, 1986 02:30 UTC

Rocket

Atlas-G Centaur-D1AR
Image Credit: USAF or NASA
General Dynamics
Status: Retired
Payload to LEO: 5,900 kg
Payload to GTO: 2,222 kg
Stages: 2
Strap-ons: 0

Mission Details

FLTSATCOM-7 (USA-20)

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.

Payloads: 1
Total Mass: 2,310.0 kg
Geostationary Earth Orbit

Location

SLC-36B, Cape Canaveral SFS, Florida, USA

Stats

1986

103rd orbital launch attempt

Atlas-Centaur

66th mission
1st mission of 1986
54th successful mission
4th consecutive successful mission