The fourth satellite for the Navy’s Mobile User Objective System developed by SPAWAR in San Diego successfully blasted into orbit Wednesday aboard an Atlas rocket.
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 rocket carrying MUOS-4 lifted off at 3:18 a.m. Pacific time from Space Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
The MUOS satellites work like a smartphone network in space, providing secure voice, video and data communications for mobile U.S. forces such as SEAL teams.
“There are three critical points for the MUOS program today,” explained Navy Capt. Joe Kan, program manager for the Communications Satellite Program Office in San Diego. “First is that it’s operational, supporting the warfighter every day. Second, it brings enhanced capabilities over the legacy system. Third, it is critical for the tactical warfighter.”
Two MUOS satellites, launched in 2012 and 2013, are already providing communications capability from their geosynchronous orbits over the Pacific Ocean and the United States. A third satellite was launched in January and is undergoing final test.
“Today’s successful launch will enable the MUOS constellation to reach global coverage. The Lockheed Martin-built MUOS-4 satellite will deliver voice, data, and video communications capability, similar to a cellular network, to our troops all over the globe,” said Jim Sponnick, United Launch Alliance vice president for Atlas and Delta programs.
SPAWAR, the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, develops communications and information capabilities for warfighters, with a goal of keeping them connected anytime and anywhere.