The first of the Navy’s next generation of narrowband tactical satellites is set for launch later this month, with the entire constellation on course for operations within four years.
The Mobile User Objective Satellite (MUOS) was loaded into its capsule recently ahead of the scheduled Feb. 16 lift-off aboard an Atlas V rocket at Cape Canaveral, Fla. The launch will be carried out by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin [LMT] and Boeing [BA].
The MUOS program is intended to replace the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On system, boasting a 10 times greater communications capacity than its predecessor, said Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for MUOS. The system is to provide mobile warfighters with point-to-point and netted communications services at enhanced data rates, the company said.
The second MUOS system is planned for launch in early 2013 with the following three systems, including a spare orbiter, to follow in each subsequent year. The constellation is set to become operational in 2015, said Michaela Rubala, a Lockheed Martin spokeswoman.
The satellites feature dual payloads that upgrade military users to the MUOS wideband code division multiple access system while enabling concurrent operations for existing legacy users, Lockheed Martin said. Boeing and General Dynamics [GD] are subcontractors on the program.