Symmetricom reports that the company was chosen to supply its master reference oscillator for the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite led by Lockheed Martin for a U.S. Navy customer.
MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system designed to significantly improve communications for U.S. forces on the move. Symmetricom's ultra stable frequency reference was selected based on the program's cost, performance and schedule requirements.
The MUOS program significantly improves communications for warfighters while maintaining backward compatibility to the existing communications systems for the U.S. Department of Defense. MUOS will replace the current narrowband tactical satellite communications system known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) system.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the MUOS program. The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems, Chantilly, Va., and its Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program. The first MUOS satellite is scheduled for on-orbit hand over to the Navy in 2010.
"Providing the master reference oscillator that delivers the ultra stable frequency reference required for the magnitude and critical nature of the MUOS program further enhances Symmetricom's position and technology capabilities in the satellite/space market," commented Bruce Bromage, executive vice president and general manager at Symmetricom.
Symmetricom is scheduled to deliver an engineering model of its master reference oscillator early this summer and qualification models in March 2007. Delivery of the first flight models is scheduled for August 2007.
Symmetricom designs and manufactures highly stable and precise rubidium, cesium and quartz oscillators for instrumentation and satellite applications. Symmetricom's staff includes experienced technologists who thoroughly understand the unique requirements of military and space environments.
