SATCOM MUOS

Abstract

Narrowband Satellite Communications provides a worldwide, multi-service population of mobile and fixed-site terminal users with Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Narrowband, beyond line of sight satellite communications (SATCOM). Mobile User Objective System (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 is comprised of Space, Ground, and User Entry Segments. The Space Segment consists of five geosynchronous satellites to support a four satellite constellation over the intended service life. Each satellite provides a legacy UHF payload that is backward compatible with UFO, and a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) payload that provides cellular-like capability. MUOS reached full operational capability in October 2019. 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 equipment racks. The RAFs in Hawaii and Virginia each include a Switching Facility (SF), and the RAF in Hawaii includes a Network Management Facility (NMF). The User Entry Segment consists of the MUOS waveform that is ultimately integrated into MUOS-capable terminals which are fielded by the services. In addition to providing UHF SATCOM for the Department of Defense, the USSF has the overall responsibility to deliver the End-to-End (E2E) MUOS capability to the warfighter. This responsibility involves systems engineering, integration, network management, and test management of all MUOS system-of-system components. A Department of Defense Chief Information Officer assessment of anticipated narrowband satellite communication availability led to the Office of Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD) Acquisitions & Sustainment recommendation and OUSD Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation (CAPE) direction to initiate MUOS Service Life Extension (SLE) to acquire and launch two additional MUOS satellites (without legacy payloads). MUOS SLE is projected to extend worldwide WCDMA constellation availability to at least FY 2035 and the supporting ground segment service life to at least FY 2040. This PE funds systems optimization and modernization to address the dynamic, worldwide electromagnetic and cybersecurity environment in which MUOS operates and MUOS SLE. The PE includes a MUOS Baseline effort, and a MUOS SLE effort. Cost to complete is "Continuing” in the cost table, as the USSF is in the process to determine the cost estimate for this post Milestone C program. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver the MUOS system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program elements 1206392SF and 1206398SF. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 673109_1203109SF_7_3620F_PB_2025

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.
• Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

• Cyber
• Space
• Space - Satellites