5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

AFRL Team Helps Solve Cellphone Communication Challenges

By Staff Author | August 25, 2015

Instant and easy connectivity for mobile devices is often taken for granted, but modern cellular networks are tied to cell towers. How do you make a call when cell towers are not available?

To answer this question, teams from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate, the United States Navy and Lockheed Martin came together to design, build and test the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), a satellite communications system designed to be a large cell tower in the sky which would improve and provide more communications capability for U.S. forces on the ground.    

Members of an Air Force, Navy and Lockheed Martin team test a satellite communications system in Antarctica. The system is designed to provide communication capabilities in remote areas. (Air Force photo)

The basic design works like a typical cellphone system, except that the tower is not on the ground but instead is on a geosynchronous satellite 22,000 miles above the earth. There are four satellites to give global coverage. The original design of the 3G signal was modified so that it could connect to the satellite.  The satellite beams the call signal down to a control station on the ground to connect to the network and complete the call. 

User’s need a MUOS “phone” to use the system.  At this time, the “phone” looks like a typical tactical radio, but new MOUS radios will get smaller as the system matures. 

One of the tests for the system took place in Antarctica.

Members of the team were able to catch a ride with the 62nd Airlift Wing which was responsible for Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply mission of the National Science Foundation (NSF), McMurdo and Amundsen-Scott Stations in Antarctica. 

Within 20 minutes of arriving in Antarctica the team was able to send out the first ever voice and data communications from the Continent.

During the trip they were able to gather data that would be used to improve MUOS as it matures to full operation capability.

Michael Gudaitis, AFRL team lead said that tests demonstrated 3G- cellular quality voice, text, and data calls in a place where no cellphones exist.

“Think about how you feel when you don’t have cellphone coverage, especially when you need it most,” said Gudaitis. “In Antarctica, with the MUOS system we were able to demonstrate calls from places where no other radio or cellphone would work.”

Gudaitis said there are commercial applications to the system.

“On an airline flight you can’t use your cell phone except in ‘airplane mode,'” he said. “But with MUOS you can stay connected at all times.”


Filed Under: RF

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

Long-wire dipole antennas: still viable after more than a century
RemCom Wireless InSite 4.0
Software simulates RF conditions from the Earth to the Moon
FAQ on the Butler matrix for beamforming: part 2
10 GHz RF cables feature double shields

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: Internet of Things
Explore practical strategies for minimizing attack surfaces, managing memory efficiently, and securing firmware. Download now to ensure your IoT implementations remain secure, efficient, and future-ready.

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World