Lockheed Martin Completes On-Orbit Testing with First MUOS Satellite

Lockheed Martin has completed on-orbit testing of the first U.S. Navy next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system.

The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite will commence operations imminently following completion of a multi-service operational test and evaluation phase.

MUOS satellites were designed to include a wideband code division multiple access payload that aims to provide a 16-fold increase in transmission throughput over the military’s current Ultra High Frequency satellite system, including global connectivity through the Defense Information Systems Network. The U.S. Department of Defense expects five MUOS satellites to be in operation by 2015.

MDA Inks Deal to Build Avanti’s Hylas 3 Satellite Payload

MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) has signed a contract valued at approximately $35 million with United Kingdom-based Avanti Communications to provide a Ka-band broadband communications payload solution for the operator’s Hylas 3 satellite.

Avanti aims to use Hylas 3 to provide satellite data communications services covering Africa and the Middle East. The satellite is expected to launch in 2015.

Optimal Satcom To Provide Capacity Management Solutions to Satmex

Satélites Mexicanos (Satmex) of Mexico has awarded Optimal Satcom a multi-year contract to provide its enterprise satellite capacity system to help Satmex manage its expanding satellite fleet.

Optimal Satcom will provide Satmex with a comprehensive system including its Enterprise Capacity Manager (ECM) software system integrated with its Complan solution.

Satmex personnel will use ECM to simultaneously manage its satellite business from different office locations. Optimal Satcom said it has already transitioned Satmex’s legacy systems, data and functionality to the new ECM software system. Optimal has also completed integration with other systems used by Satmex, including Monics and SalesForce.