Tactical Satellite Communications System
On September 24, 2004 the U.S. Navy selected a team led by Lockheed Martin, with team members General Dynamics C4 Systems, and Boeing Satellite Systems, to develop and build the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system that will provide significantly improved and assured communications for the mobile warfighter.
MUOS will replace the current narrowband tactical satellite communications system known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) system. MUOS satellites will be fully compatible with the existing UFO system and associated legacy terminals while dramatically increasing military communications availability and providing simultaneous voice, data and video in real time to mobile warfighters around the globe. MUOS will also maximize the full feature capability of the future Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) terminals. The initial phase is expected to cost US$ 2.1 billion, and include two satellites and associated ground control elements. The initial satellite will be deployed in space by 2010.
Under the MOUS program, the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) has provisions for three additional spacecraft at a cost of around US $1.1 billion. SPAWAR is operating on behalf of the Program Executive Office — Space Systems.
