The Navy is reporting significant advances in its Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite program, with a recent successful launch and the pending conclusion of a major systems test.
The MUOS constellation offers network coverage for war fighters and combatant commanders. It enables mobile forces, including submarines, surface ships and aircraft, to communicate via the narrowband spectrum.
In September program managers completed the constellation with the successful launch of a fourth satellite. Once tested for full functionality, the satellite will be put in position above the Indian Ocean in early 2016. This will give MUOS full global coverage, with sufficient overlap to ensure seamless communications. At that point, troops worldwide will have the means to talk, text and share critical mission information regardless of where they are in relation to the satellite constellation.
Each satellite is equipped with legacy communications to ensure reliability. At the same time, tThe system also is fully outfitted with Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), an advanced wireless standard with 10 times more capacity than legacy systems, said Navy MUOS Program Manager CAPTapt. Joe Kan. Once the network is certified as fully operational, legacy equipment will be phased out in favor of the more modern standard.
That certification could come soon, at least for part of MUOS. Kan said an evaluation of the communications systems in multiple MUOS satellites and ground stations should wrap up before year's end.
The test is being conducted by Army, Navy and Air Force and includes two satellites and three of four MUOS ground stations.
This would be followed by a test of cybersecurity capabilities.
The combination of newly completed global coverage and advanced WCDMA capabilities will then generate "a huge difference for the user," Kan said. "A lot of missions will be performed than cannot be performed now."
As the system nears full deployment, operational tests already are demonstrating the potential power of a digital signal, which will replace the old analog approach. In one demonstration, for example, Navy Special Warfare Command conducted a test using the more advanced standard and saw significantly improved operational capability. "Because of the voice quality, they were able to communicate things the first time as opposed to having to repeat, and that can be a lifesaver," Kan said.
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