First MUOS satellite delivered to US Navy
The first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite has been delivered by Lockheed Martin to the US Navy (USN) ahead of a 16 February 2012 launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The MUOS satellite is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system that will provide significantly improved and assured communications for the mobile warfighter.
The MUOS system will augment and replace the legacy Ultra High Frequency Follow-On system, providing military users with 16 times the communications capacity of existing satellites, including simultaneous voice, video and data capability enhancements.
According to Lockheed Martin, MUOS consists of four geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites with an additional on-orbit spare, and a fibre optic terrestrial network connecting four ground stations around the globe. Each satellite will feature two payloads that enable the system to integrate with the existing architecture while upgrading military users to the new wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system. Utilising the latest commercial advances in 3G cell phone and satellite technology, MUOS will provide mobile warfighters point-to-point and netted communications services at enhanced data rates and priority-based access to on-demand voice, video and data transfers.
The MUOS satellite will now undergo post shipment testing, fuelling, payload fairing encapsulation, and mate atop the Atlas V launch vehicle in preparation for launch.
More from Digital Battlespace
-
US Space Force increases efforts to plug training capabilities gaps
The service has been seeking simulation and emulation solutions capable of reproducing multiple in-orbit threats.
-
US Space Force bets big on the use of AI to improve its capabilities
The service has been conducting several acquisition and upgrading efforts involving artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve communication, data analysis and ISR systems.
-
Thales selected for Syracuse satellite communications terminals for French vehicles
The Syracuse 4B communications satellite, developed by Airbus and Thales Alenia Space, was launched last year, bolstering secure military satellite communications for the French Armed Forces. Thales has now been selected to provide terminals for vehicles.
-
The New Battlefield: Space Defence, Emerging Threats, and Strategic Opportunities (Studio)
The growing importance of space in modern warfare, advancements in satellite technology, and increasing threats from rivals like China and Russia were among the topics of a Eurosatory 2024 panel on military space operations.
-
BAE Systems to provide radios for South Korean aircraft
AN/ARC-232A is a Starfire radio that provides VHF/UHF communications to airborne platforms and the transceiver is software-programmable, allowing for multiple waveform support as well as optional national electronic counter counter-measure (ECCM) capability.
-
Lockheed Martin to work with DARPA on AI effort
During the 18-month period of the contract, Lockheed Martin will apply Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to create surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare and weapons within dynamic and operationally representative environments.