Article Posted on : - Jun 05, 2015

Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite. Photo: Lockheed Martin

SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA (BNS): The U.S. Navy has accepted the third Lockheed Martin-built Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite following successful completion of on-orbit testing.

Launched January 20, MUOS-3 is the latest addition to a network of orbiting satellites and relay ground stations that is revolutionizing secure communications for mobile military forces.

Users with operational MUOS terminals can seamlessly connect around the globe, beyond line-of-sight, with new smart phone-like capabilities, including simultaneous and crystal-clear voice, video and mission data, on a high-speed Internet Protocol-based system, Lockheed Martin said.

"MUOS is a game-changer in communications for every branch of our military, which all have mobile users who will benefit from these new capabilities," said Iris Bombelyn, Lockheed Martin's vice president for narrowband communications.

"This latest satellite will expand the MUOS network's coverage over more than three-quarters of the globe, including significantly more coverage north and south than the current legacy voice-only system."

With on-orbit testing complete, MUOS-3 is being relocated to its on-orbit operational slot in preparation for operational acceptance.

The MUOS network is expected to provide near global coverage before year end. MUOS-1 and MUOS-2, launched respectively in 2012 and 2013, are already operational and providing high-quality voice communications.

Lockheed Martin handed over the last of four required ground stations to the Navy in February. MUOS-4 is expected to launch later this year.