MUOS-2

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Description:

• A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, designated AV-040, will launch the second Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite for the U.S. Navy. Built by Lockheed Martin, this U.S. military spacecraft will provide narrowband tactical communications designed to significantly improve ground communications for U.S. forces on the move. The rocket will fly in the 551 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, five solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage.
• MUOS serves a dual-provider of both voice traffic currently routed by the Navy's existing generation, albeit aging, Ultra High Frequency Follow-On spacecraft, but it also creates a new era of mobile communications built around 3G cellular technology to relay narrowband tactical information such as calls, data messaging, file transfers and email on rates of up to 384 Kilobits per second.

Mission details:

• The second Mobile User Objective System satellite was launched on Jul 19, 2013 into geostationary transfer orbit (possibly around 3800 x 35786 km x 19.1 deg). MUOS 2 provides UHF communications links for the US Navy. The satellite is built by Lockheed Martin and has a mass of around 6700 kg full 3800 kg dry.

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