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Harris Corporation, the world leader in spaceborne unfurlable mesh reflectors, was selected by Lockheed Martin Space and Strategic Missiles, for a risk reduction design development (RRDD) program to provide unfurlable mesh reflectors for Department of Defense (DoD) Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites. MUOS is a next-generation, mobile communications system that will provide narrowband, tactical satellite communications to deployed warfighters. Harris is providing Lockheed Martin with spaceborne unfurlable mesh reflector technology for the MUOS program. The reflectors, two per satellite, will be manufactured at Harris facilities in Palm Bay, Florida, as part of the MUOS geo-synchronous satellite's ultra high-frequency (UHF)-band antenna system. The 5- and 12-meter reflectors, attached to the satellite bus by booms, include gold mesh reflective surfaces and are stowed for launch much like an umbrella. Once the MUOS satellite achieves operational orbit 22,000 miles above earth, ground controllers will send a command signal to the satellite to unfurl the reflectors. MUOS will enhance the U.S. Navy's existing satellite tactical communications system, UHF Follow-On (UFO), by providing defense forces with critical tactical communications in remote, rugged locations that challenge conventional technologies. Initial operation of MUOS is expected by 2010.
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