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Lockheed Martin Shifts Into Production Phase Of Navy Narrowband Tactical Satellite
Paris, France (SPX) Jun 20, 2007 The Lockheed Martin-led team developing the Department of Defense's (DoD) next generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system, known as the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), has successfully completed a series of production readiness reviews with the U.S. Navy ahead of schedule. Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., prime contractor and systems engineering lead for the MUOS program, is under contract to design, build and deploy the first two MUOS satellites and the associated MUOS ground system. The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems, Chantilly, Va., and its Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program. The contract also provides for options on three additional spacecraft. With all options exercised, the contract for up to five satellites has a total potential value of $3.26 billion. In completing the production readiness reviews, the Lockheed Martin MUOS team, which includes General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Boeing Satellite Systems, El Segundo, Calif.; has been given the green light to complete production of the first two MUOS satellites and the entire MUOS ground system. The milestone, completed ahead of the contractually scheduled May 31 date, also fully prepares the U.S. Navy for the upcoming DoD production decision for follow-on MUOS spacecraft. "Working as an integrated team, we executed a comprehensive and highly efficient set of reviews, demonstrating our ability to ensure a seamless transition from design to production of this state-of-the-art system," said Manny DiMiceli, vice president and MUOS program manager, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "Successfully completing the series of production readiness reviews ahead of the planned schedule adds to our confidence for on-schedule delivery of this essential communications capability to the mobile warfighter." In March, the team completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase that validated the detailed design of the overall MUOS system to ensure it meets warfighter requirements. The CDR was completed on the schedule established more than 30 months ago and within budget. The first MUOS satellite along with the associated ground system is scheduled for on-orbit hand over to the Navy in 2010. MUOS will provide significantly improved and assured communications for U.S. mobile warfighters. The Lockheed Martin design features state-of-the art 3rd Generation (3G) mobile technology that will deliver simultaneous voice, data and video services, as well as the ability to increase capacity and features over the life of the program. Users of the current Ultra High Frequency Follow-On system will have improved service and complete interoperability with the MUOS legacy payload which ensures a smooth transition to the next generation of 3G mobile user equipment. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links MUOS satellite Read the latest in Military Space Communications Technology at SpaceWar.com
Major Integration Milestone Achieved On Advanced Military Communications Satellite Paris, France (SPX) Jun 19, 2007 Lockheed Martin announced that it has successfully integrated the spacecraft propulsion core structure and the payload module for the first Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite. The Advanced EHF system will provide global, highly secure, protected, survivable communications for all warfighters serving under the U.S. Department of Defense. |
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