The first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, was encapsulated into its payload fairing January 29 in preparation for a February 16 liftoff aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

The MUOS spacecraft is the first in the next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system that will replace the legacy Ultra High Frequency Follow-On system. Offering enhanced capabilities to the mobile warfighter, MUOS will provide 10 times greater communications capacity than the legacy system.

MUOS consists of five geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites-one an on-orbit spare-and a terrestrial network connecting four ground stations around the world.

Each satellite features dual payloads that upgrade military users to the MUOS wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system while enabling concurrent operations for existing legacy users. Utilizing commercial 3G cell phone and satellite technology, MUOS will provide mobile warfighters point-to-point and netted communications services at enhanced data rates and priority-based access to on-demand voice, video and data transfers.

The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems is responsible for the MUOS program. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company is the MUOS prime contractor and lead system integrator.