EaglePicher Technologies, LLC announced a significant new contract to provide nickel-hydrogen battery cells to Lockheed Martin for use on the U.S. Navy's Mobile User Objective System (MUOS). The MUOS satellite constellation will form a new network of spacecraft for the Department of Defense to provide narrowband communication to a variety of handheld and fixed location terminals worldwide. The system is designed specifically to connect military personnel on the battlefield with the Global Information Grid. The grid links all communications systems and provides real-time information and access to logistical support. The goal is to provide improved communication with joint forces on land, sea and in the air.
"Our first delivery of hardware is due in July of next year," said Ron Nowlin, EaglePicher Technologies Vice President and General Manager. "The contract value for this phase is approximately $1.8 million. We have been doing business with Lockheed Martin for over 25 years and value our relationship with them greatly."
MUOS will replace the current narrowband tactical satellite communications system known as the Ultra High Frequency Follow-On system. Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Sunnyvale, California is the prime contractor and systems integrator for the MUOS program. The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems in Chantilly, Virginia and its Communications Satellite Program Office in San Diego, California are responsible for the MUOS program. The first MUOS satellite is scheduled for on-orbit hand over in 2010.
