The U.S. Space Force plans to solicit industry offers to develop two Mobile User Objective System spacecraft in early 2023 as part of efforts to extend the life of the MUOS satellite constellation, C4ISRNET reported Friday.
Barbara Baker, deputy program executive officer for Space Systems Command’s military satellite communications and positioning, navigation and timing directorate, told the publication those proposals would be for early risk-reduction and design work on those two narrowband communications satellites
The Space Force intends to spend $3.7 billion on two additional MUOS satellites that will launch by the end of 2030, according to the service’s budget request for fiscal year 2023.
The MUOS constellation has four active satellites and one on-orbit spare that Lockheed Martin built for the U.S. Navy. The Space Force assumed responsibility for the MUOS program in March.
Baker said the service has not yet established a timeline for a contract award and that the spacecraft may feature new capabilities and will have common user interfaces with other on-orbit systems.
“The satellites . . . will meet or exceed the current system performance requirements and have compatible interfaces to ensure seamless integration with the MUOS ground systems and continuity of operations,” she noted.
