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Northrop Grumman begins testing with first prototype terminal for advanced EHF satellite communications sytem

Model of an Advanced EHF satellite sits in front of the first Advanced EHF Universal System Test Terminal, called AUST-T, in a Northrop Grumman test laboratory. The terminal will be used to verify communications compatibility between the Advanced EHF satellite payloads and ground terminals to be developed for the system. The AUST-T will also verify backward compatibility of Advanced EHF terminal with the Department of Defense’s existing Milstar satellite system, which also operates at Extremely High Frequencies, or EHF. Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Lincoln Lab will build four AUST-Ts, of which this unit is the first. The terminals will be used as part of testbeds for payload, satellite-level and initial on-orbit tests. The results of tests using the AUST-Ts will establish standards for use by companies that will develop actual Advanced EHF terminals.