Lockheed Martin Team
Shifts Into Production Phase of US Navy's Mobile User Objective
System
(20 June 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 US$ 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.
Lockheed Martin
Space Systems Company, a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation,
designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of
advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial
customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of
remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and
instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar;
fleet ballistic missiles; and missile defence systems.
Headquartered in
Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people world-wide and is
principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture,
integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and
services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of US$ 39.6
billion.
(source: Lockheed Martin)