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Highly mobile, multi-band satellite communications (SATCOM) terminals from Harris Corp. are providing US Marine Corps forces deployed around the world with highly reliable satellite-based voice, video, data and Internet connectivity between headquarters operations and the battlefield. The lightweight multi-band satellite terminal (LMST) and other SATCOM solutions from Harris were on display during the 20th National Space Symposium, at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. In an article published in January on the Marine Corps Web site, LMST operator Corporal Taylor M. Machnik, from McLean, VA, of Company B, 7th Communications Battalion, describes the terminal as a “communications pipeline that passes all signals from telephones, video-conferencing, Internet and e-mail to wherever they need to go via satellite access. All signals pushed through the LMST are then shot back down to the gateway in Hawaii, which provides us the Internet service and connectivity to the outside world.” With six LMSTs, the Marine’s 7th Communications Battalion utilizes the largest number of the terminals and is the most experienced with their operation. The highly mobile terminal systems are transported using ruggedized cases that can be carried by just one or two individuals. LMST can be rapidly deployed on two HMMWVs and then quickly assembled or disassembled in 60 minutes or less using two trained operators without special test equipment or tools. The highly reliable, quad-band terminal systems withstand the challenges of operating in harsh environments in order to support battlefield operations and meet the mobility needs of conventional and special forces. With shorter transmission times, a very large range of reception (nearly one-third of the earth’s surface) and rapid assembly capabilities, the LMST is expected to replace other communications terminals.