CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., Feb. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite, built by Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for the U.S. Navy, was successfully launched today from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

The MUOS constellation will replace the legacy Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) system and provide significantly improved assured communications, including simultaneous voice, video and data, for mobile warfighters.

"MUOS is a revolutionary new satellite system that will provide unprecedented new communications capabilities for the armed forces," said Kevin Bilger, Lockheed Martin vice president and general manager of Global Communications Systems.  "We look forward to executing a smooth and efficient on-orbit checkout, paving the way for operational use."

MUOS satellites feature a wideband code division multiple access payload that incorporates advanced technology to provide a 16-fold increase in transmission throughput over the current UFO satellite system.  A single MUOS satellite will provide four times the capacity of the entire legacy UFO constellation of 10 satellites.  The satellites also include a hosted legacy UHF payload that will be fully compatible with the current UFO system and legacy terminals.

The first MUOS satellite and associated ground system will provide initial on-orbit capability this year with the four-satellite global constellation achieving full operational capability in 2015, extending UHF narrowband communications availability well past 2025.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator. 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.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

For low- and high-resolution images of the MUOS launch, please visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/muos and http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/PhotoGallery/Photo_gallery.shtml

Media Contacts:  Michaela Rubala, 408-742-3516; e-mail, michaela.rubala@lmco.com
Steve Tatum, 408-742-7531; e-mail, stephen.o.tatum@lmco.com

SOURCE Lockheed Martin