Third MUOS satellite enters final testing

The US Navy’s third Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite has moved closer to launch, having recently successfully completed environmental testing and clearing thermal vacuum trials to validate performance in simulated space conditions. The satellite is now in final check out and on-target for a January 2015 launch.

The MUOS satellite has already undergone testing that saw it stressed at extreme hot and cold temperatures in a vacuum at Lockheed Martin’s Dual Entry Large Thermal Altitude chamber, simulating the environments the satellite will experience throughout its mission life.

This will be the third addition to the MOUS constellation for the US Navy, which will form a critical element of US national security, military satellite communications by delivering vital connectivity to armed forces around the globe.

MUOS is a narrowband tactical satellite communications system designed to significantly improve ground communications for US forces on the move. It will provide military users more communications capability over existing systems, including simultaneous voice, video and data - similar to the capabilities experienced today with smart phones.

The satellites are equipped with a wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) payload that leverages commercial cell phone technology. MUOS provides a 10-fold increase in communications capacity compared to the current legacy Ultra High Frequency (UHF) system. Additionally, the WCDMA payload gives users the advantage of high-speed data and priority access that legacy systems did not.

Iris Bombelyn, vice president of narrowband communications, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘We are committed to quality, and our rigorous environmental testing regimen ensures this system is ready for the harsh environments of space. It’s important to check out every aspect of the satellite at this stage so we can prepare it for service. We are on track for delivering the third MUOS satellite to the navy this year.’