Lockheed tests military satellite

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has completed an end-to-end system test of its first Mobile User Objective System military communications satellite built for the U.S. Navy.

The test validated satellite performance and functionality with user ground terminals.

Completion of the key milestone confirms the system meets requirements and allows the satellite to proceed to final factory test activities prior to launch, Lockheed said.

MUOS will augment and replace the legacy Ultra High Frequency Follow-On system providing assured communications, including simultaneous voice, video and data, for mobile warfighters.

Each MUOS satellite features two payloads -- a wideband code division multiple access payload and a legacy UHF payload. This dual payload approach is fully compatible with deployed UHF terminals that will transition to MUOS technology as existing UHF satellites reach the end of their on-orbit life.

The WCDMA payload will provide an immediate 16-fold increase over legacy UHF satellite communications in the number and capacity of satellite links.

"The team executed a comprehensive end-to-end system test and the results give us high confidence that this cutting-edge satellite will meet all performance requirements," said Mark Pasquale, Lockheed Martin vice president and MUOS program manager.

"The entire team is focused on delivering mission success for our customer and this milestone is another major step in our efforts to provide this much needed capability to the warfighter."

MUOS satellites are based on Lockheed Martin's flight-proven A2100 spacecraft series. The first MUOS satellite, along with the associated ground system, is on track to launch in the first quarter of 2012.