Lockheed Martin delivers communications system module for second Mobile User Objective System satellite

Lockheed Martin has delivered a cutting-edge communications system module for the second satellite in the US Navy's Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) program.

Supporting ultra-high frequency (UHF) satellite communications (SATCOM), MUOS will provide assured communications, including simultaneous voice, video and data, for mobile warfighters.

Designed and built by Lockheed Martin in Newtown, Pa., and delivered to the company's facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif., the module features a wideband code division multiple access payload that incorporates advanced technology to provide a 10-fold increase over legacy UHF SATCOM in the number and capacity of satellite links. These technologies will support new mobile satellite terminals that are under development for the Joint Tactical Radio System.

The module also includes a legacy UHF payload provided by Boeing Defense, Space and Security, El Segundo, Calif., that is compatible with more than 10,000 deployed UHF SATCOM terminals that will transition to MUOS as existing UHF Follow-on (UFO) satellites reach the end of their on-orbit life.

"Delivery of this high-performance system module reflects the entire team's commitment to successful program execution with a focus on quality and timeliness," said Mark Pasquale, Lockheed Martin's MUOS vice president. "We look forward to successfully executing the critical integration and test work ahead and achieving mission success for our Navy customer."

Over the next few months, Lockheed Martin will complete the final test verification phase on the system module, integrate it with the spacecraft propulsion core module and other space vehicle components, and begin environmental and acceptance testing of the fully integrated space vehicle.

The first MUOS satellite has completed Passive Intermodulation testing and is currently undergoing electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility testing in support of the Spacecraft Level Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST). BIST testing will characterize the overall performance of the fully integrated MUOS spacecraft and establish a performance baseline prior to entering the environmental test phase, which includes acoustic and thermal vacuum testing.

The first MUOS satellite, along with the associated ground system provided by General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz., is scheduled for on-orbit hand-over to the Navy in 2011.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator. The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems, Chantilly, Va., and its Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program.

Source: Lockheed Martin