Aug 6 1981
From The Space Library
NASA launched FltSatCom-E for the Naval Electronic Systems Command at 4:16 a.m. EDT from KSC on an Atlas Centaur into a transfer orbit with 35,790-kilometer apogee, 166.7-kilometer perigee, and 26.6° inclination, and turned the craft after it separated from the Centaur over the U.S Air Force Space Division.
Designated FltSatCom 5 in orbit, the TRW built DOD communications satellite with a five-year design life would join four similar craft now in geostationary orbit 22,300 miles over the equator at different locations around the Earth, forming a worldwise system to provide two-way communications between naval aircraft, ships, submarines, ground stations, Strategic Air Command elements, and presidential command networks. FltSatCom 5 would serve over the eastern Pacific. DOD would reimburse NASA for Atlas Centaur and launch services. LeRC had management responsibility for development and operation of the Atlas Centaur; KSC was responsible for checkout and launch. (NASA Releases 81-32, 81-93; NASA MOR 0-491-202-81-05 [prelaunch) Aug 4/81; DISD, Aug 7/81, 211)
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