The U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin have announced that they have successfully completed a significant test milestone for the first satellite in the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) program.

A next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system, MUOS will provide the warfighter with the latest mobile technology such as simultaneous voice, video and data, as well as improved service to legacy users of the current Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) system.

The first MUOS satellite has completed Passive Intermodulation (PIM) testing, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) testing as well as the Spacecraft Level Baseline Integrated System Test (BIST) at Lockheed Martin facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif.

Completion of PIM testing assures that intermodulation generated from the high power satellite downlink transmissions do not interfere with the extremely low power signals uplinked from the legacy terminals used by the warfighter.

The EMI/ EMC testing ensures self-compatibility of the payloads on the satellite, as well as satellite compatibility with the launch vehicle electromagnetic environment.

BIST testing verifies the overall performance of the fully integrated MUOS spacecraft is compliant to the MUOS Performance Specification and establishes a performance baseline prior to entering the environmental test phase, which includes acoustic, sine vibration and thermal-vacuum testing.

"Completion of PIM, EMI and EMC on the first pass and in less than two months on a UHF satellite as complex as MUOS is the result of months of planning and hard work by the entire MUOS space segment team," said Navy Capt. Jack Nicholson, acting program manager of the Communications Satellite Program Office.

"This team was efficient at identifying and completing risk reduction activities that led to this major testing milestone."

Following BIST, Lockheed Martin will conduct a series of critical environmental test phases that validate the overall satellite design, quality of workmanship and survivability during space vehicle launch and on-orbit operations. The first MUOS satellite, along with the associated ground system, is scheduled for on-orbit hand-over to the Navy in 2011.

"This is another huge step forward in our efforts to achieve operational excellence and mission success on this critical military communication program," said Mark Pasquale, Lockheed Martin's MUOS vice president. "We look forward to executing the critical environmental test activities ahead and providing unprecedented new mobile communications capabilities for the warfighter."