Lockheed, Boeing to Develop MUOS Satellites Under Separate $66M Space Force Contracts

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Lockheed Martin and Boeing a $66 million contract each to design satellite prototypes for the Mobile User Objective System program.

MUOS satellites operate in the narrowband frequency to minimize negative effects brought about by weather and ensure that information is transmitted to receivers securely. The satellites were built to replace the Ultra High Frequency Follow-on system.

The companies will build a satellite that can provide secure narrowband communication for military operators. Initial work will focus on early satellite design and risk reduction.

Lockheed and Boeing have until July 2025 to build their prototypes, C4ISRNET reported.

MUOS recently showed its effectiveness in warfighter connectivity, having accommodated systems from Canada’s Department of National Defense in December.

Under the Tactical Narrowband SATCOM – Geosynchronous project, Canada’s defense department used AN/PRC-117G terminals to connect to MUOS and make point-to-point calls using push-to-talk and push-to-connect technologies. Warfighters demonstrated chat, email, file transfer and group call capabilities during the exercise.

The Space Force also sought a budget increase in 2022 for MUOS to extend the constellation’s life and improve its capabilities. The agency sought $3.7 billion for five years, some of which will be used to launch additional satellites.