Mobile User Objective Sys (MUOS)

Abstract

In June 2016, based on the results of the Multi-Service Operational Test and Evaluation-2 (MOT&E-2), Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) assessed the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) not operationally effective or suitable. Increase of funds from FY18 to FY19 is required to conduct Multi-Service Operational Test and Evaluation-2B (MOT&E-2B) in FY19. As a result of the program addressing findings and preparing for MOT&E-2B in FY19, Full Operational Capability (FOC) has been moved to FY20. The MUOS Key Performance Parameter Threshold requires 70% constellation availability through 2030 (FOC + 10 years). Recent analysis predicts that MUOS Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) will fall below this requirement in 2028, therefore an Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Narrowband satellite communications (SATCOM) Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) is required to satisfy Narrowband requirements beyond the MUOS service life. The increase of funds from FY18 to FY19 funds the AoA. MUOS provides a worldwide, multi-service population of mobile and fixed-site terminal users with UHF Narrowband, beyond line of sight SATCOM. MUOS significantly increases performance and capacity in support of critical Combatant Command SATCOM priorities. MUOS is the replacement system for the UHF Follow-on (UFO) system, which is currently beyond its design life. MUOS consists of Space, Ground, and User Entry Segments. The Space Segment consists of 5 geosynchronous satellites, one which is an on-orbit spare, and provides both a legacy UHF payload, which is backward compatible with UFO, and a WCDMA payload, which provides 3G cellular-like capability. The Ground Segment consists of four world-wide Radio Access Facilities (RAFs) and two satellite control facilities. Each RAF includes three 60 ft. antennas, and numerous racks of equipment. The RAF in Hawaii includes a Network Management Facility (NMF). The RAFs in Hawaii and Virginia each include a Switching Facility (SF). The User Entry Segment consists of the MUOS waveform that is ultimately integrated into MUOS-capable terminals. The MUOS legacy capability has been in operational use since 2012, and the WCDMA capability transitioned to Early Combatant Command Use in July 2016. In addition to providing UHF SATCOM for the Department of Defense, the Navy has the overall responsibility to deliver the End-to-End MUOS capability to the warfighter. This responsibility involves systems engineering, integration, and test management of all MUOS system of system activities, to include the integration of the MUOS waveform into MUOS-capable terminals and the subsequent terminal certification testing. The budget line in FY19 and out is dedicated to completion of the MOT&E-2B activities, system optimization to address the dynamic, worldwide electromagnetic and cybersecurity environment in which MUOS operates, testing to support certification of MUOS-capable terminals, and the UHF Narrowband SATCOM AoA.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2019
• Source ID: 2472_1203109N_7_1319_PB_2019

Tags

Readers

• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Space
• Space - Satellites