The Lockheed Martin -led team developing the Department of Defense's (DoD) next generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system, known as the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), has successfully completed a series of production readiness reviews with the U.S. Navy ahead of schedule.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., prime contractor and systems engineering lead for the MUOS program, 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, Chantilly, Va., and its Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program. The contract also provides for options on three additional spacecraft. With all options exercised, the contract for up to five satellites has a total potential value of $3.26 billion.

In completing the production readiness reviews, the Lockheed Martin MUOS team, which includes General Dynamics C4 Systems, Scottsdale, Ariz.; and Boeing Satellite Systems, El Segundo, Calif.; has been given the green light to complete production of the first two MUOS satellites and the entire MUOS ground system. The milestone, completed ahead of the contractually scheduled May 31 date, also fully prepares the U.S. Navy for the upcoming DoD production decision for follow-on MUOS spacecraft.

"Working as an integrated team, we executed a comprehensive and highly efficient set of reviews, demonstrating our ability to ensure a seamless transition from design to production of this state-of-the-art system," said Manny DiMiceli, vice president and MUOS program manager, Lockheed Martin Space Systems. "Successfully completing the series of production readiness reviews ahead of the planned schedule adds to our confidence for on-schedule delivery of this essential communications capability to the mobile warfighter."

In March, the team completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase that validated the detailed design of the overall MUOS system to ensure it meets warfighter requirements. The CDR was completed on the schedule established more than 30 months ago and within budget. The first MUOS satellite along with the associated ground system is scheduled for on-orbit hand over to the Navy in 2010.

MUOS will provide significantly improved and assured communications for U.S. mobile warfighters. The Lockheed Martin design features state-of-the art 3rd Generation (3G) mobile technology that will deliver simultaneous voice, data and video 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 legacy payload which ensures a smooth transition to the next generation of 3G mobile user equipment.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, a major operating unit of Lockheed Martin Corporation, designs, develops, tests, manufactures and operates a full spectrum of advanced-technology systems for national security, civil and commercial customers. Chief products include human space flight systems; a full range of remote sensing, navigation, meteorological and communications satellites and instruments; space observatories and interplanetary spacecraft; laser radar; fleet ballistic missiles; and missile defense systems.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2006 sales of $39.6 billion.

NOTE TO EDITORS: for low- and high-resolution JPEG image files of the MUOS satellite, please visit our MUOS web page at: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/muos

Media Contact: Steve Tatum, 408-742-7531; e-mail, Stephen.o.tatum@lmco.com

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SOURCE: Lockheed Martin