Wednesday, July 18, 2012

On-orbit test of MUOS completed

Feb. 24 launch of Atlas V
United Launch Alliance photo
SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Lockheed Martin completed on-orbit testing of the first Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite, paving the way for the U.S. Navy's multi-service operational test and evaluation phase in preparation for the start of operations in August 2012. MUOS-1 was launched Feb. 24, 2012 atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. A narrowband tactical satellite communications system, MUOS will provide communications, including simultaneous voice, video and data. (Source: PRNewswire, 07/17/12) Gulf Coast note: Work on the propulsion system for the MUOS, an A2100 satellite-based spacecraft, is done at Stennis Space Center, Miss. Previous