MUOS 1

United Launch Alliance (ULA) has launched the Atlas V rocket with mobile user objective system-1 (MUOS-1) communications satellites for the US Navy from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

MUOS-1, on board the Lockheed Martin built Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) 551 configuration vehicle, is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system developed to enhance the ground communications for US forces on the move.

The communication satellite will provide military users with a communication system that is ten times more powerful than the existing UHF Follow-On constellation, which provides communications for aircraft, ship, submarine and ground forces.

MUOS-1 will offer instantaneous voice, video and data, leveraging 3G mobile communications technology.

ULA Mission Operations vice president, Jim Sponnick, said: "ULA is honoured to serve with its mission partners in the preparation and launch of the mission for the US Navy and for US Air Force."

Sponnick continued: "This integrated team is singularly focused on ensuring that these critical MUOS satellites are safely delivered, providing vital communications capability to the women and men protecting our freedom around the world."

The Atlas V rocket is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 booster engine which delivers 1 million lbs of thrust and the Centaur upper-stage rocket, powered by Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10 engine delivering 22,300lbs of thrust.

Sponnick said: "The 200th flight of the Centaur is a very big milestone for the ULA team, as Centaur has been pioneering space launch for the last 50 years."

He added: "It took 33 years for Centaur to accomplish those first 100 flights. The next 100 Centaur launches have been accomplished in just 17 years."

Developed by the US Air Force to guarantee access to space for Department of Defense (DoD) and other government payloads, the EELV Program supports complete government mission requirements, while delivering on schedule and offering cost savings over the traditional launch systems.

ULA is also planning to launch the Delta IV NROL-25 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office on 29 March this year from Space Launch Complex-6 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, US.

 

Image: The communication satellite will provide US forces with ten times more powerful communication system on the move. Photo: ULA