Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT] delivered the core structure including a propulsion subsystem for the first Navy Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite, the company announced today.

It is the largest A2100 spacecraft core structure built by the company.

MUOS will provide significantly improved and assured communications for U.S. mobile warfighters.

MUOS 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 payload, ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation of 3G mobile user equipment.

Developed and tested at the Lockheed 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.

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

MUOS satellites will be the largest A2100 spacecraft series ever produced. The first MUOS satellite along with the associated ground system are scheduled for on-orbit hand-over to the Navy in 2010.

The Lockheed team includes General Dynamics Corp. [GD] unit C4 Systems in Scottsdale, Ariz., and The Boeing Co. [BA] unit Satellite Systems (BSS) in El Segundo, Calif.

Lockheed 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, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program. The contract also provides for options on three additional spacecraft.