Harris Wins $37 Million Antenna Contract for Mobile User Objective System Satellites

MELBOURNE, Fla., Jan. 25/Satnews Daily/ ¾ Harris Corp. (NYSE:HRS) has been selected by Lockheed Martin Space and Strategic Missiles of Sunnyvale, California, for a potential three-year, $37 million risk reduction design development (RRDD) program to provide unfurlable mesh reflectors for the Department of Defense (DoD) Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites. Including production options, the potential value of the contract, Harris said, could reach $90 million by 2013 if the DoD opts to produce all five satellites.

MUOS is a next-generation, mobile communications system that will provide narrowband, tactical satellite communications to deployed warfighters.

Under terms of the contract, Harris is providing Lockheed Martin with spaceborne unfurlable mesh reflector technology for the MUOS program. The reflectors, two per satellite, will be manufactured at Harris facilities in Palm Bay, Florida, as part of the MUOS geo-synchronous satellite's ultra high- frequency (UHF)-band antenna system.

The 5- and 12-meter reflectors, attached to the satellite bus by booms, include gold mesh reflective surfaces and are stowed for launch much like an umbrella. Once the MUOS satellite achieves operational orbit 22,000 miles above earth, ground controllers will send a command signal to the satellite to unfurl the reflectors.

MUOS is aimed to enhance the U.S. Navy's existing satellite tactical communications system, UHF Follow-On (UFO), by providing defense forces with critical tactical communications in remote, rugged locations that challenge conventional technologies. Initial operation of MUOS is expected by 2010.

Recent Stories:

Harris Corp. Upgrades Telesat Canada’s Satellite Control Center 

U.S. Army Awards Harris Corp. Radio Contracts Valued at More Than $30 million

Boeing Awards Ka-band Antenna Project for DirecTV Satellites to Harris Corp.

Harris Corp. First Quarter Income Climbs 57% on Revenue Growth of 22%