The October test event, known as the Multiservice Operational Test and Evaluation (MOT&E), involved the Navy, Marine Corps, and Army. The test showed that the system was operationally effective and provided the required survivability against cyber-attacks needed to become fully operational.

MUOS is a next-generation narrowband satellite communications system that will replace UHF Follow-On satellites. The new system was designed to be compatible with legacy terminals. Five MUOS satellites were delivered to orbit between 2012 and 2016.

Last week, the Navy awarded a $732 million contract to General Dynamics for MUOS ground system sustainment.

Source:  InsideDefense.com
Associated URL: Click here to visit
Author: S. McDougall, Defense Analyst 

Developed and installed by Raytheon for the FAA, WAAS is a North American satellite-based augmentation system that increases GPS satellite signal accuracy for precision approach at 200 feet altitude to meet strict air navigation performance and safety requirements for all classes of aircraft in all phases of flight.

WAAS contains space and ground equipment that works together to identify GPS satellite corrections. The SES-15 satellite hosting Raytheon's WAAS GEO 6 payload was launched in 2017 and completed extensive system integration in July 2019. GEO 6 replaces an older WAAS geostationary satellite that had reached its end-of-service life.

Operational since 2003, the WAAS network consists of three geostationary satellites and 49 terrestrial-based stations dispersed across the continental U.S., as well as Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Mexico.

Source:  www.raytheon.com

The company’s proposal calls for delivering the lander’s Ascent Element and Descent Element to lunar orbit in one rocket launch to ensure it is tailored for maximum capability and crew safety. This approach reduces the complexity and risk of sending multiple segments to orbit on multiple launches, enabling a crewed lunar surface landing with only five mission critical events instead of the 11 or more required by alternate strategies. Boeing’s integrated lander also can carry itself from lunar orbit to the surface without an additional transfer stage or "space tug," further reducing launches and simplifying the steps to a successful landing.

Boeing’s design relies on NASA’s exploration backbone, the SLS rocket currently in production at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF). The SLS has an unmatched lift capability that builds on proven flight components. This approach shortens development time and lowers risk, enabling NASA to safely land on the moon’s surface by 2024.

The lander’s flexible design allows for the fastest path to lunar flights while providing a robust platform that can perform NASA’s full range of exploration missions. It can dock with the Gateway lunar orbiter or directly with NASA’s Orion to eliminate the need for an additional spacecraft, both on time to meet the 2024 mandate.

The design includes innovations in its engines, composites, and automated landing and rendezvous systems. Key technologies are based on the Boeing CST-100 Starliner spacecraft, which will be fully demonstrated and proven during its upcoming Orbital Flight Test to the International Space Station in December 2019.

Boeing partnered with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Johnson Space Center, and Kennedy Space Center and will collaborate closely with NASA to integrate, certify, and operate this innovative HLS. The company also will provide the critical resources and industry knowledge required to ensure on-time delivery in support of a 2024 lunar landing. Whether serving in NASA’s 2024 or 2025 mission slot, Boeing’s approach maximizes return from agency investments in previous and ongoing programs to allow for the simplest and therefore highest probability path back to the lunar surface.

Source:  Boeing
Associated URL: boeing.mediaroom.com