Navy's MUOS Satellite Successfully Launched

The first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite, which will provide simultaneous voice, video and data communications to U.S. military combatants, was successfully launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.


The first satellite in the MUOS constellation was built by Lockheed Martin. MUOS satellites feature a wideband code division multiple access payload that incorporates advanced technology to provide a 16-fold increase in transmission throughput over the current UFO satellite system. A single MUOS satellite will provide four times the capacity of the entire legacy UFO constellation of 10 satellites. The satellites also include a hosted legacy UHF payload that will be fully compatible with the current UFO system and legacy terminals.


Lockheed Martin Space Systems, which is the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator, said the first MUOS satellite and associated ground system will provide initial on-orbit capability this year with the four-satellite global constellation achieving full operational capability in 2015, extending UHF narrowband communications availability well past 2025.


"MUOS is a revolutionary new satellite system that will provide unprecedented new communications capabilities for the armed forces," said Kevin Bilger, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of Global Communications Systems. "We look forward to executing a smooth and efficient on-orbit checkout, paving the way for operational use."http://