Billion-dollar wait

Some hold-ups have developed in the Navy’s Mobile User Objective System, a way for the Pentagon to connect its forces via satellite. Developed by San Diego–based Lockheed Martin Space Systems, the elaborate space and ground network is running exceedingly late. “The first satellite was launched in February 2012 — 26 months later than planned at development start — and the second was launched in July 2013,” says a March report to Congress by the Government Accountability Office.

“The first two satellites currently provide legacy satellite communications to the warfighter, though more advanced communications using the MUOS waveform are not yet operational.” Notes the document, “The program office stated that operational testing is on track to be completed by December 2015 — an 18-month delay — though this will also delay the Army’s fielding of MUOS-capable radios.” Total cost is currently pegged at about $1.2 billion.