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
-
![How anti-jam technology is helping provide resilience for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (Sponsored)]()
How anti-jam technology is helping provide resilience for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (Sponsored)
Accurate position information is crucial for many military and commercial applications. Global Navigation Satellite Systems is the most common source for position in land, airborne and marine applications within manned and unmanned vehicles, guided munitions, and many other platforms around the world.
-
![Orolia releases GSG-7 GNSS signal testing solution]()
Orolia releases GSG-7 GNSS signal testing solution
GSG-7 simulator is designed to deliver a higher standard of GNSS signal testing in a cost-effective, easy-to-use, turnkey form factor.
-
![US issues electromagnetic battle management system contract]()
US issues electromagnetic battle management system contract
The US hopes that combining electromagnetic warfare capabilities in the sea, air, and land domains would generate enhanced combat effects.
-
![A Five Eyes Connection – preparing our militaries for the future battlefield (Studio)]()
A Five Eyes Connection – preparing our militaries for the future battlefield (Studio)
With the rise of increasingly assertive rivals like China and Russia, the Five Eyes allies are preparing their militaries for an uncertain future.
-
![AeroVironment releases Puma VNS for GPS-contested drone navigation]()
AeroVironment releases Puma VNS for GPS-contested drone navigation
Puma 2 AE and Puma AE 3 operators will be able to fly their drones even if no GPS is available.
