SUNNYVALE, Calif. 13 Oct. 2008 Lockheed Martin successfully delivered the core structure and integrated propulsion subsystem for the first satellite in the U.S. Navy's Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) constellation. It is the largest A2100 spacecraft core structure ever built by the company.

MUOS will provide improved and assured communications for U.S. mobile warfighters, Lockheed Martin officials say. The Lockheed Martin design features third generation (3G) mobile technology that will deliver simultaneous voice and data services, as well as the ability to increase capacity and features over the life of the program.

Users of the current Ultra High Frequency Follow-On system will have improved service and complete interoperability with the MUOS legacy payload which ensures a smooth transition to the next generation of 3G mobile user equipment, company officials say.

The system was developed and tested at Lockheed Martin's Mississippi Space & Technology Center, an advanced propulsion, thermal, and metrology facility located at the John C. Stennis Space Center.

The propulsion subsystem is essential for maneuvering the MUOS satellite during transfer orbit to its final location as well as conducting on-orbit repositioning maneuvers throughout its mission life.

"Our entire team is focused on ensuring this critical tactical military communications system is deployed quickly and successfully for our customer," says Paul Scearce, Lockheed Martin's MUOS vice president. "The MUOS core structure represents the backbone of the MUOS satellite"

The system was delivered to Lockheed Martin's facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif., in preparation for spacecraft assembly, integration, and test scheduled to begin later this year.

The first MUOS satellite along with the associated ground system are scheduled for on-orbit hand-over to the Navy in 2010.

The Lockheed Martin-led team, which includes General Dynamics C4 Systems in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Boeing Satellite Systems (BSS) in El Segundo, Calif., is under contract to design, build, and deploy the first two MUOS satellites and the associated MUOS ground system.

The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems in Chantilly, Va., and its Communications Satellite Program Office in San Diego are responsible for the MUOS program. The contract also provides for options on three additional spacecraft.