Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings

Lockheed Opens Facility to Connect Warfighters to MUOS Satellite Network

By Lockheed Martin | December 15, 2014

Share

With the U.S. Navy’s Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) expected to achieve global communications coverage next year, Lockheed Martin recently established a new radio terminal development and certification facility to help put MUOS’ new capabilities into warfighters’ hands faster.

Developed by Lockheed Martin, MUOS operates like a satellite-based, smart-phone cell network, vastly improving current secure mobile, tactical communications for warfighters on the move. Once MUOS is fully operational, secure terminal users, connected through the system’s Internet Protocol-based technology, will be able to transmit and receive clear voice calls and data from almost anywhere in the world. 

To assist other industry providers in testing, developing and certifying MUOS radio terminals and government applications more quickly, on Nov. 25, the company opened the $6.5 million Test Radio Access Facility (TRAF) at its Sunnyvale, California campus. More than 55,000 currently fielded terminals can be upgraded to the MUOS Wideband Code Division Multiple Access waveform.

Lockheed Martin’s new 3,400 square foot TRAF expands on the testing capability the company previously offered to outside vendors developing terminals. Developers can test and validate new software, hardware and applications, under a variety of operational environments, using TRAF’s ground segment testbed and satellite simulator. Private “suites” allow companies to maintain proprietary and secure areas, as well as facilitate joint development, including interoperating in over the air testing. Developers also can test terminals and applications on the same equipment expected to be used for final certification.   

“Lockheed Martin’s goal with the TRAF is to help terminal developers and application integrators get MUOS’ capabilities deployed to the warfighter as quickly as possible,” said Glenn Ladue, MUOS TRAF manager. “Providing a high fidelity, end-to-end test environment during development will dramatically shorten the time it takes to get from a good idea to operational utility.”

Meanwhile, the MUOS network is growing and will be capable of providing warfighters global coverage in 2015. Two satellites, MUOS-1and MUOS-2, and three of four required ground stations, already are operational. On Nov. 5, MUOS-3 was shipped to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida for its January launch while MUOS-4 is on track to launch later in 2015. The final MUOS ground station also is expected to be operational in early 2015.


Filed Under: Aerospace + defense

 

Related Articles Read More >

Ontic acquires Servotek and Westcon product lines from Marsh Bellofram
Flexible rotary shafts support thrust reverser on 150 LEAP 1-A turbofan engines
Drone-mounted inspection breaks barriers for F-35
TriStar, a misunderstood failure of design

DESIGN GUIDE LIBRARY

“motion

Enews Sign Up

Motion Control Classroom

Design World Digital Edition

cover

Browse the most current issue of Design World and back issues in an easy to use high quality format. Clip, share and download with the leading design engineering magazine today.

EDABoard the Forum for Electronics

Top global problem solving EE forum covering Microcontrollers, DSP, Networking, Analog and Digital Design, RF, Power Electronics, PCB Routing and much more

EDABoard: Forum for electronics

Sponsored Content

  • Global supply needs drive increased manufacturing footprint development
  • How to Increase Rotational Capacity for a Retaining Ring
  • Cordis high resolution electronic proportional pressure controls
  • WAGO’s custom designed interface wiring system making industrial applications easier
  • 10 Reasons to Specify Valve Manifolds
  • Case study: How a 3D-printed tool saved thousands of hours and dollars

Design World Podcasts

May 17, 2022
Another view on additive and the aerospace industry
See More >
Engineering Exchange

The Engineering Exchange is a global educational networking community for engineers.

Connect, share, and learn today »

Design World
  • Advertising
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Manage your Design World Subscription
  • Subscribe
  • Design World Digital Network
  • Engineering White Papers
  • LEAP AWARDS

Copyright © 2022 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Design World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • 3D CAD
    • Electronics • electrical
    • Fastening & Joining
    • Factory automation
    • Linear Motion
    • Motion Control
    • Test & Measurement
    • Sensors
    • Fluid power
  • Learn
    • Ebooks / Tech Tips
    • Engineering Week
    • Future of Design Engineering
    • MC² Motion Control Classrooms
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • LEAP AWARDS
  • Leadership
    • 2022 Voting
    • 2021 Winners
  • Design Guide Library
  • Resources
    • 3D Cad Models
      • PARTsolutions
      • TraceParts
    • Digital Issues
      • Design World
      • EE World
    • Women in Engineering
  • Supplier Listings