Last week the Navy completed orbiting its Mobile User Objective System satellite constellation with the successful launch of a fifth satellite. For the time being, the satellites will be sustaining joint connectivity using legacy waveforms, but sometime later this year the force will begin transitioning to a new waveform that utilizes internet-protocol technology to deliver cellphone-like service pretty much anywhere on Earth. MUOS, as it is usually called, is a revolution in military connectivity, delivering secure, high-speed, multi-media functionality to military personnel in fixed locations or on the move. It can even connect with warfighters in disadvantaged locations like mountainous areas, triple-canopy jungles or at sea on undersea platforms. MUOS delivers important warfighting advantages to the joint force using satellites built by Lockheed Martin and launched on Atlas rockets. I have written a commentary for Forbes here.
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