Lockheed
Martin announced July 17th 2012 that it has completed on-orbit testing
of the first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite, designated
MUOS-1, paving the way for the U.S. Navy’s multi-service operational
test and evaluation phase in preparation for the start of operations
in August 2012.
The successful on-orbit checkout of this revolutionary satellite is
a great testament to the close coordination and partnership between
the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin team,” said Mark Valerio, vice
president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Military Space
line of business. “This event is another major milestone in our
commitment to provide unparalleled communications capabilities that
put mission-critical, real-time information in the hands of our mobile
warfighters.”
MUOS-1 was launched Feb. 24, 2012 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas
V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. A next-generation
narrowband tactical satellite communications system, MUOS will provide
significantly improved and secure communications for mobile warfighters,
including simultaneous voice, video and data. |
“The
team successfully completed this critical on-orbit test phase in an
effective and efficient manner to support our customer’s program
schedule,” said Mark Pasquale, who oversaw the spacecraft test
phase as Lockheed Martin vice president and MUOS program manager. “The
satellite is exceeding all performance requirements as a result of the
disciplined flight-like test program it was subjected to in the factory
prior to launch.”
MUOS satellites are equipped with a wideband code division multiple
access (WCDMA) payload that provides a 16-fold increase in transmission
throughput over the current Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite system,
including global connectivity through the Defense Information Systems
Network and support services such as full two-way voice and data transfers. |
Lockheed
Martin's MUOS operations team conducted the on-orbit deployment and
checkout of all spacecraft systems over a three month period, with both
payloads passing a series of rigorous on-orbit tests with existing UHF
ground systems and new WCDMA test terminals.
A single MUOS satellite will provide four times the capacity of the
entire UFO constellation of 8 satellites. Each MUOS satellite also includes
a legacy UHF payload that is fully compatible with the current UHF Follow-on
system and legacy terminals. This dual-payload design ensures a smooth
transition to the cutting-edge WCDMA technology while the UFO system
is phased out.
The first MUOS satellite and associated ground system will provide initial
on-orbit capability this year, followed by the launch of the second
spacecraft in 2013. The five-satellite global constellation is expected
to achieve full operational capability in 2015, extending UHF narrowband
communications availability to the armed forces well past 2025. |
