[Satellite TODAY 07-05-10] The U.S. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command‘s (SPAWAR) Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) has completed a series of UHF component tests for the program’s first satellite, SPAWAR announced July 2.
    The first MUOS satellite completed passive inter-modulation testing, electromagnetic interference and compatibility testing and spacecraft-level baseline integrated system test at Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif.
    The testing demonstrated that the components work together as an integrated spacecraft and will meet the warfighter’s needs for UHF communications. The satellite now will undergo spacecraft level vibration and acoustic tests to simulate the launch environment, followed by thermal vacuum tests that simulate the extreme hot and cold temperature on orbit. Upon completion of these tests there will be final post-environmental performance tests to verify that the satellite works properly prior to launch.
    “We are about one year from being ready to launch the first MUOS spacecraft, and we are ready for the next major test event: spacecraft vibration and acoustic testing. The first MUOS satellite is projected to provide on-orbit capability by the end of 2011,” MUOS Program Manager and U.S. Navy Capt. Jack Nicholson said in a statement.
    A next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system, MUOS is designed to provide the warfighter with the latest mobile technology such as simultaneous voice and data, as well as improved service to legacy users of the current ultra high frequency (UHF) Follow-On system.