[Satellite TODAY 04-10-13] Lockheed Martin has announced successful integration of two of the most important components onto its fourth Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite for the U.S. Navy. Recently engineers mated the multi-beam assembly, which hosts 16 ultra-high frequency (UHF) antennas for distributed, global communications coverage. And, earlier this year, the team delivered and integrated the vehicle’s communications system module.

 

    With bus and payload now together, the satellite is entering its first system checkouts before progressing to environmental test. The global MUOS constellation is comprised of five satellites of which the first is already providing legacy UHF communications capabilities in order. The second MUOS satellite is undergoing final preparations for its scheduled launch in July, and the third is progressing through environmental testing. The whole constellation is expected to achieve full operational capability in 2016.