Lockheed Martin Delivers the Software Waveform for the Navy's MUOS

It is said that “communication is key,” but nowhere is this more critical than in the military, where lives can be at stake with every decision.

When orders are given and it has to be communicated across the field or to another country, it has to be secure. If it’s intercepted and the information is deciphered, the lives of the people involved in the decision process can be jeopardized.

The delivery of the U.S. Navy’s Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) by Lockheed Marting will ensure the men and women of our military will have a secure and capable communications package.

MUOS is an essential part of the U.S. military satellite communications platform. As remote warfare starts becoming part of the military strategy, the communication lines have to be more secure than ever. This platform will improve the ground communications of the armed forces of the United States by providing simultaneous voice, video and data communications.

The satellites use WCDMA or Wideband Code Division Multiple Access that provide a 16-fold increase in transmission throughput over previous Ultra High-Frequency (UHF) satellite systems. The new satellites are loaded with both systems to ensure a smooth transition from the old UHF system that is being phased out on the ground.

The company is under contract to deliver five MUOS satellites and system associated with the ground support systems for the U.S. Navy. The first satellite and ground system is already providing some service, but full WCDMA capability will not take place until more satellites are launched on July 2013 and later dates.

Although five satellites will be delivered, MUOS is made up of four geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites, with the fifth used as an on-orbit spare. The terrestrial network will be made up of four ground stations around the world connected through fiber network.

It will provide military personnel communications tools with many capabilities at higher data rate and priority access.

"With the new WCDMA payload, MUOS is a game changer for the military worldwide. As our government and industry partners begin deploying new communications terminals, remote and mobile tactical users will be able to quickly and securely share video, data and voice communications critical to their safety and mission success," said Iris Bombelyn, vice president of Lockheed Martin's (News - Alert) Narrowband Communications mission area.

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