For secure communications in the Arctic, the military can now use this satellite

A military satellite that will provide secure communications to the polar regions is now operational, the Air Force announced Oct. 22.

The Enhanced Polar System was handed over to the 4th Space Operations Squadron at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado, Sept. 19, after the Air Force successfully completed its Multiservice Operational Test and Evaluation. Both EPS satellites are now available to military leaders, according to the Air Force.

EPS is the polar equivalent of the Advanced Extreme High Frequency military communications constellation, which was built to replace the legacy Milstar communications system with ten times greater throughput. Both AEHF and EPS provide highly secure, anti-jamming signals for high priority military communications.

AEHF is the primary system for those communications, but due to the positions of what will eventually be six satellites in geosynchronous orbit, that constellation cannot provide coverage for the polar region. EPS fills that gap with two satellites operating in highly elliptical orbits, ensuring that at least one satellite is providing communications to war fighters north of 65 degrees latitude all day.

Northrop Grumman was selected as the prime contractor for the polar payload in 2012.

More In C2/Comms

New US Space Force jammers aim to disrupt China’s SATCOM signals

The Remote Modular Terminals, which disrupt adversary satellites by "yelling in their ear," as one official put it, are cleared for initial fielding,

Space Force must grow to counter China and Russia, lawmaker says

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., said the service is not sized to meet increasing threats from China and Russia.

SpaceX launches rapid response GPS mission

The effort, dubbed Rapid Response Trailblazer, was meant to demonstrate the ability to quickly plan and launch a mission in around six months.

Space Command strategy aims to boost commercial role in operations

The updated strategy, approved in November, focuses on SPACECOM’s core tasks and how commercial space capabilities fit within those areas.

ULA eyes annual mods to turn rocket stage into space interceptor

The fast-moving vehicle would be highly maneuverable and could be used to tow satellites or for counterspace missions, ULA CEO Tory Bruno told reporters.