Astrotech Space Operations (ASO) was selected by the U. S. Navy’s Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) to provide payload-processing services for the second in a series of Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites. Astrotech supported the first MUOS satellite launch in February 2012 from Cape Canaveral.
   The Navy awarded ASO a contract in 2011 for the initial MUOS satellite pre-launch support with the Navy’s exclusive rights to exercise options for payload processing on up to four additional satellites.
   “Astrotech looks forward to supporting the next MUOS satellite launch," ASO General Manager Don White said in a statement. “We are proud to play a role in the MUOS program, doing our part towards improving satellite communications for U.S. forces.” Financial details of the award were not disclosed.