MELBOURNE, Fla., 24 January 2005. Harris Corp. today announced that it has been selected by Lockheed Martin Space and Strategic Missiles, Sunnyvale, Calif., for a potential three-year, $37 million risk reduction design development (RRDD) program to provide unfurlable mesh reflectors for Department of Defense (DoD) Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites.
MUOS is a next-generation, mobile communications system that will provide narrowband, tactical satellite communications to deployed warfighters. Including production options, the potential value of the contract for Harris could reach $90 million by 2013 if the DoD opts to produce all five satellites.
Under terms of the contract, Harris is providing Lockheed Martin with spaceborne unfurlable mesh reflector technology for the MUOS program. The reflectors, two per satellite, will be manufactured at Harris facilities in Palm Bay, Fla., as part of the MUOS geo-synchronous satellite's ultra high- frequency (UHF)-band antenna system. The 5- and 12-meter reflectors, attached to the satellite bus by booms, include gold mesh reflective surfaces and are stowed for launch much like an umbrella. Once the MUOS satellite achieves operational orbit 22,000 miles above earth, ground controllers will send a command signal to the satellite to unfurl the reflectors.
"The selection of Harris unfurlable mesh reflectors for the MUOS satellite further demonstrates our worldwide leadership in the provision of these unique antenna systems, which are used on defense and intelligence satellites in a wide variety of missions," said Russ Haney, president of the National Programs business unit of Harris Corp.'s Government Communications Systems Division (GCSD). "We are pleased that Lockheed Martin has selected Harris as its teammate to provide the best-in-class approach for MUOS in addressing the mobility requirements of tomorrow's warfighter."
MUOS will enhance the U.S. Navy's existing satellite tactical communications system, UHF Follow-On (UFO), by providing defense forces with critical tactical communications in remote, rugged locations that challenge conventional technologies. Initial operation of MUOS is expected by 2010.
Harris GCSD, one of four divisions within Harris Corporation, conducts advanced research studies, develops prototypes, and produces and supports state-of-the-art, assured communications solutions and information systems that solve the mission-critical challenges of its military and government customers, while serving as the technology base for the company's diverse commercial businesses. Harris Corporation, which also provides tactical radio, microwave, and broadcast products and systems, serves customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, see www.harris.com.
