Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, CA, is the prime contractor and system integrator for MUOS, which will replace the current narrowband tactical satellite communications system known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) system.

The U.S. Navy's Communications Satellite Program Office, based in San Diego, CA, is the government agency responsible for acquiring MUOS and narrowband satellite communications for the Department of Defense (DoD).

The value of the initial contract award to L-3 Communications is approximately $11 million for delivery of the first two flight units and a spare flight unit in 2007.

L-3 CS-East will provide the crypto units to Lockheed Martin facilities in Newtown, PA, where MUOS satellites will be developed. Three production options, if exercised, would be valued at an additional $6 million.

"The MUOS program is a great win for L-3 as it expands our space-based cryptographic products to a new platform," said Greg Roberts, president of L-3 CS-East.

"This win builds upon L-3's long heritage of developing cryptographic equipment for the U.S. Government. Additionally, it allows L-3 to leverage critical internal technical investments that have been made to position itself for the U.S. Government's Crypto Modernization Initiative."

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