45th SW Launches second Mobile User Objective System satellite

Release Number: 010713

7/19/2013 - CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing successfully launched the second Mobile User Objective System satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, for the U.S. Navy at 9 a.m. July 19 here.

The United Launch Alliance built Atlas V rocket will fly in the 5-5-1 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, five solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage.

MUOS is the next generation narrowband military satellite communication system that supports a worldwide, multi-service population of users in the ultra-high frequency band. The system provides increased communications capabilities to smaller terminals while still supporting interoperability with legacy terminals. MUOS is designed to support users that require greater mobility, higher data rates and improved operational availability.

MUOS is a space communications system that uses commercial 3G cell phone technology to provide voice, data and video services to military troops on the move.

MUOS will provide greater than 10 times the communications capacity compared to the current UHF constellation.

Brig. Gen. Nina Armagno, who assumed command of the 45th Space Wing June 12, served as the Launch Decision Authority for the first time here on the Eastern Range.

She is proud of the way the entire team came together to ensure another successful mission.

"Once again, the 45th Space Wing is partnering to provide the most versatile, valuable and sophisticated technology to our war fighters," she said. "Congratulations to the entire team for their hard work and dedication to this very important mission."