First US Navy MUOS satellite completes environmental testing

The US Navy first mobile user objective system (MUOS) satellite has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing, proving the spacecraft’s overall design and survivability during space vehicle launching and on-orbit operation environments.

During the test, conducted inside Lockheed Martin’s dual-entry large thermal altitude chamber, the MUOS spacecraft was stressed in a vacuum environment at extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Lockheed Martin vice-president and MUOS programme manager Mark Pasquale said, “The test confirms the spacecraft’s ability to provide critical on-the-move communications for our deployed forces in remote and rugged locations.”

The MUOS satellite is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system, which will provide enhanced communications for combatants on the move.

The first MUOS satellite, which will replace the current ultra-high-frequency (UHF) system, is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2012.