Lockheed Martin Opens New Terminal Facility for MUOS

Antennas atop the new MUOS Test Radio Access Facility (TRAF). Photo: Lockheed Martin

[Via Satellite 12-12-2014] Lockheed Martin has opened a radio terminal development and certification facility for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) at its Sunnyvale, Calif. campus. The $6.5 million Test Radio Access Facility (TRAF) supports a ground segment test-bed and satellite simulator for developers to test and validate new software, hardware and applications.

According to Lockheed Martin, more than 55,000 currently fielded terminals have the potential to upgrade to the MUOS Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) waveform. TRAF provides “private suites” for companies to maintain proprietary areas, and to conduct joint developments. Developers can test terminals and applications on the same equipment they intend to use for final certification.

The United States Navy’s MUOS satellite system, for which Lockheed Martin is contracted to provide five satellites and associated ground systems, is set to enter global service next year. Two of the five satellites and three of four required ground stations are currently operational. The final MUOS ground station is on track for completion early next year, with MUOS 3 and MUOS 4 scheduled to launch in 2015.