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Satnews Daily
July 5th, 2010

Space + Naval Warfare Systems Command... MUOS Milestone Met (Tactical Satellite)



Employees at Lockheed Martin's facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif., inspect the first Mobile User Objective System satellite following the successful integration of the Multi Beam Antenna with the spacecraft system module and core structure.
SatNews — The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), directed by the Communications Satellite Program Office (PMW 146), recently completed a significant test milestone for the program’s first satellite. A nexgen narrowband tactical satellite communications system, MUOS will provide the warfighter with the latest mobile technology such as simultaneous voice and data, as well as improved service to legacy users of the current Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Follow-On system.

The successful testing demonstrates that components work together as an integrated spacecraft and will meet the warfighter's needs for UHF communications. The next steps are spacecraft level vibration and acoustic tests to simulate the launch environment, followed by thermal vacuum tests that simulate the extreme hot and cold temperature on orbit. Upon completion of these tests there will be final post-environmental performance tests to verify that the satellite works properly prior to launch.


MUOS satellite, image courtesy of Lockheed Martin
The first MUOS satellite successfully completed Passive Intermodulation (PIM) testing, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing, as well as the Spacecraft Level Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST) at Lockheed Martin facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif. Completion of PIM testing assured that the high power satellite downlink transmissions do not interfere with the extremely low power signals uplinked from the legacy terminals used by the warfighter. The EMI/ EMC testing ensures self-compatibility of the payloads on the satellite, as well as satellite compatibility with the launch vehicle electromagnetic environment. BIST testing verifies the overall performance of the fully integrated MUOS spacecraft is compliant to the MUOS Performance Specification and establishes a performance baseline prior to entering the environmental test phase. Following BIST, a series of critical environmental test phases that validate the overall satellite design, quality of workmanship and survivability during space vehicle launch and on-orbit operations will take place.

MUOS is the Defense Department's military satellite communication system that supports a worldwide, multi-service population of users in the narrowband. The system is designed to support users that require greater mobility, higher data rates and improved operational availability. This system will provide greater than 10 times the system capacity of the current narrowband constellation. MUOS will support unified commands and joint task force components, DoD and non-DoD agencies, and U.S. allies by providing worldwide tactical narrowband netted, point-to-point, and broadcast voice and data services in such challenging environments as double canopy foliage, urban environments, high sea states and all weather conditions.