Competition for MuOS Upgrade
Lockheed Martin and Boeing Develop Competing Projects of New Military Satellites. However, some experts believe, that US Department of Defense could use commercial alternatives instead.
Recently both companies have successfully passed previous development stages for the program Mobile User Objective System (Mule) Service Life Extension. This is the US military-cosmic forces (U.S. Space Force) worth 2,5 A billion dollars, aimed at updating the existing system of narrow -band satellite. In January 2024 the year Lockheed Martin and Boeing have received by 66 millions of dollars At the first stage of the project.
Lockheed Martin, which has previously created Five MuOS satellites, announced 7 February, that cooperates with SEAKR Engineering (Raytheon Intelligence & Space) To develop a new payload processor. This processor can be reprogrammed directly in space, that is a significant improvement compared to the current system. It has already been transferred to the stage of technological readiness for production.
Boeing has completed its test check back in December 2023 year. It offers a system on the base platform 702mp, which is already used in connection satellites for US space forces.
Tender winner will be determined in the second stage of the program. He will receive a contract for the construction of two satellites, launching which is planned not earlier 2030 year.
Why is it important?
Muos provides military communication (voice, Video and data transmission) through Four active satellites and one backup. Control of the system in March 2023 the year was transferred from US Navy to US space forces.
However, the project causes controversy, Since the market appears on the market Commercial alternatives. Such companies, how Starlink, Iridium, Lynk Global Ta Spacemobile, Develop technologies, that will allow ordinary smartphones directly to connect to satellites. It can be cheaper and more efficient a solution for the military.
Analyst Todd Garrixon (American Enterprise Institute) Even offers completely abandon the continuation of muos. In his opinion, A narrow -band satellite bond can already provide a private sector, and there is no point in spending billions on outdated military projects.
US space forces have not yet made the final decision. They stated there, that evaluate the possibility of using commercial satellite services as a supplement or replacement of muos.