Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Gives Navy First Reliable Military Satellite Connection in the Arctic

Below:
The nuclear-powered attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) surfaces through the arctic ice as part of Ice Exercise (ICEX) 2014. ICEX 2014 is a U.S. Navy exercise highlighting submarine capabilities in an arctic environment. (U.S. Navy video by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Davies/Released) 


Analysis of Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites during the U.S. Navy’s 2014 Ice Exercise (ICEX) shows they provided nearly 150 hours of secure data connections. This was the first time military users could transfer large megabyte data files over stable satellite connections in the arctic.

Working atop a floating ice camp above the Arctic Circle, a team from Lockheed Martin provided secure satellite communications and delivered further evidence that MUOS is a reliable asset in the far north.

Lockheed Martin first demonstrated the MUOS constellation’s ability to reach arctic users in tests during 2013. Those tests marked a significant gain in signal reach from the required latitude of 65 degrees north—roughly Fairbanks, Alaska. This expansion in coverage, inherent with the system, comes at a time when governments are focusing on the arctic security.From March 17 to 27, MUOS provided over 8,800 minutes of service to Ice Camp Nautilus. U.S. Navy users at the camp could connect to both secure and classified communication systems and send data files. U.S. and Canadian officials monitored the activities as part of ICEX, an annual Arctic submarine exercise.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator. The Navy’s Program Executive Office for Space Systems and its Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program.

http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140505-906611.html