Long-Term Program Support: 1980s Space Shuttle The first shuttle launch in 1981 ushered in a policy of reliance on the reusable vehicle for most civilian and military requirements. The program had experienced 24 successful flights when in January 1986, the shuttle Challenger exploded during ascent, killing its crew of seven. Aerospace participated in a complete review of DOD priorities for flight and conducted assessments of shuttle performance degradation. DSCS II The Defense Satellite Communications System (DSCS) provides secure voice and data communications for the U.S. military. The last DSCS Phase II satellite was launched in 1989; a combination of Phase II and III satellites make up the DSCS constellation. Aerospace has been supporting DSCS since its inception. NATO Comsats The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) satellite system provided strategic communication links between all European NATO nations and eastern Canada and the United States. Aerospace participation in the highly successful NATO III program ended in 1985 after more than 17 years of intense involvement, from concept to orbital operation. AFSATCOM The Air Force Satellite Communications (AFSATCOM) system provides global communications with strategic aircraft via airborne command posts. During the 1980s Aerospace expanded its AFSATCOM activities and provided systems engineering support to the Strategic Air ...
