Unfurlable Mesh Antenna Reflectors from Harris Corporation Successfully Deployed in Space with DoD's Mobile User Objective System Satellite
Two unfurlable mesh antenna reflectors developed by Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) were successfully deployed last month onboard the first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Sunnyvale, California.
- (1888PressRelease) April 18, 2012 - MUOS will provide military users with next-generation, narrowband tactical satellite communications with 16 times more capability than existing UHF satellites, including superior data rates and priority-based access to on-demand voice, video and data transfers. The announcement was made during the National Space Symposium being held April 16-18 at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The MUOS satellite, developed for the U.S. Navy, leverages the latest commercial advances in cellular and satellite technology, while maintaining compatibility with legacy UHF systems. This is the first of five MUOS satellites scheduled for deployment.
Each MUOS satellite will carry two Harris antenna reflectors — a 14-meter diameter unit for multiple-beam operation that significantly increases the number of users and traffic the system can support and a 5.4-meter diameter unit for legacy mission operations. The reflectors are secured to the satellite by precision booms that are also provided by Harris. A reflective gold mesh weave provides the reflective surface required for radio waves. In total, Harris is building ten units for the MUOS constellation, with the remaining eight units in varying stages of production.
"We are working closely with Lockheed Martin and the Navy's Communications Satellite Program Office as the first MUOS satellite begins operation," said Sheldon Fox, group president, Harris Government Communications Systems. "These antenna reflectors embody our commitment to placing the most advanced communications technology in the hands of our warfighters."
The antenna reflectors were manufactured at the company's state-of-the-art reflector manufacturing facility in Palm Bay, Florida.
Harris has more than 35 years of experience designing, building and flying space-borne antennas for government and commercial applications. Products range from unfurlable mesh reflectors, steerable and phased array antennas, to reconfigurable payload solutions. Harris reflectors range in size from 5 meters to 22 meters, and frequencies from UHF to Ka-band.
For more information, visit http://www.govcomm.harris.com/solutions/products/000087.asp.
About Harris Corporation
Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $6 billion of annual revenue and about 17,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications® products, systems, and services. Additional information about Harris Corporation is available at www.harris.com.
Contact Information:
Sleighton Meyer
Harris Government Communications Systems
sleighton.meyer ( @ ) harris dot com
321-727-6514
Jim Burke
Harris Corporation
jim.burke ( @ ) harris dot com
321-727-9131
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