The first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite exits Lockheed Martin's Dual Entry Large Thermal Altitude chamber, a vacuum environment that simulates the hot and cold temperatures the satellite will experience throughout its design life. Photo courtesy of Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing of the U.S. Navy’s first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite, a major program milestone that validates spacecraft performance in a simulated test-like-you-fly space environment. A next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system, MUOS will provide significantly improved and assured communications for mobile warfighters. It will augment and ultimately replace the current UHF system and provide 10 times more communications capability to the user, including simultaneous voice, video and data. Conducted inside Lockheed Martin's Dual Entry Large Thermal Altitude chamber, the MUOS spacecraft was stressed in a vacuum environment at the extreme hot and cold temperatures it will experience throughout its design life.
This major milestone was the culmination of an extensive test program that proves the spacecraft’s overall design, quality of workmanship and survivability during space vehicle launching and on-orbit operation environments. Thermal vacuum testing of the first MUOS satellite was completed later than originally planned as the team worked to validate the performance of this state-of-the-art spacecraft. While issues with specific legacy payload components were encountered during the test, Lockheed Martin was able to resolve each issue prior to completing thermal vacuum testing and entering final integration system testing in preparation for delivery. The first MUOS satellite, along with the associated ground system, is on track to support launch in the first quarter of 2012.