Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)
General Dynamics C4 Systems is currently under contract to provide the user-entry and integrated ground segments for the U.S. Navy’s Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), the U.S. military’s next-generation narrowband satellite communications system that will provide simultaneous voice, video and data communication for warfighters on the move. MUOS will replace the military’s current narrowband tactical communications system, known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-on (UFO) system. The anticipated launch date for the first MUOS satellite is 2010.
General Dynamics is leading the development and deployment of the MUOS ground system that provides communications and control interfaces between the MUOS satellites and existing and future U.S. Department of Defense terrestrial communication networks.
General Dynamics also is providing the radio frequency/intermediate frequency ground terminal equipment for MUOS, which includes an 18.4-meter Ka-Band antenna system to enable the link between the MUOS ground stations and the satellite.
General Dynamics also will develop the wireless protocol for communication between those networks and the MUOS satellites. User terminals will be provided by the U.S. military under the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) program with an emphasis on handheld, soldier-worn units. For users, the MUOS system will provide familiar cellular phone-like services with the satellites acting as very tall “towers” to allow warfighters on the ground to communicate directly with each other and their commanders virtually anywhere in the world.
General Dynamics has long been a leader in leveraging commercial communications technology for government applications, as evidenced by our groundbreaking work in cellular services and end-to-end satellite communications. As the prime integrator of the MUOS ground system, our extensive software engineering background will enable us to effectively modify commercial-off-the-shelf, third-generation (3G) cellular technology for the needs of the warfighter.
Lockheed Martin, the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator, was awarded a $2.1 billion contract to build the first two satellites and associated ground control elements by the Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in September 2004.
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Defense