The US Navy’s second Lockheed Martin-built mobile user objective system satellite (MOUS-2) has successfully completed required system testing prior to its scheduled launch date in July 2013.
Lockheed Martin’s Narrowband Communications mission area vice president Iris Bombelyn said the US Navy and Lockheed Martin MUOS team have jointly completed MUOS-2 integration and testing.
"As we continue to produce MUOS satellites, we expect to drive even greater efficiency and affordability into our operations," Bombelyn said.
Prior to its launch aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, the satellite is scheduled to undergo final spacecraft component installations and a last factory confidence test in Sunnyvale, California, in the spring of 2013.
The next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system, MUOS satellite has been designed to provide enhanced communications for combatants on the move while replacing existing ultra-high-frequency follow-on (UFO) system.
Compatible with the current UHF follow-on system and legacy terminals, a single MUOS will provide four times the capability that is being provided by the entire UFO constellation of eight satellites for the US Navy.
In addition to providing assured communications, the MUOS satellite will provide improved communication capability for mobile troops, including simultaneous voice, video and data.
Equipped with a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) payload, the MUOS-1 was launched onboard an Atlas V launch vehicle at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, on 24 February 2012.
Full operational capabilites of the MUOS five-satellite global constellation is expected in 2015 and will extend its narrowband availability beyond 2025.
Lockheed is the prime contractor and system integrator, while the US Navy’s Program Executive Office for Space Systems and its Communications Satellite Program Office are responsible for the MUOS programme.
Image: Lockheed Martin completes MUOS SV-2 testing in an anechoic test chamber. Photo: Lockheed Martin Corporation©.
