Article Posted on : - Jan 22, 2015

Atlas V rocket. Photo: United Launch Alliance

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, FLORIDA (BNS): A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the third Mobile User Objective System satellite for the United States Navy was succesfully launched on Tuesday.

The MUOS-3 spacecraft is intended to ensure continued mission capability of the existing Ultra High Frequency Satellite Communications system that will provide improved and assured mobile communications to the warfighter.

Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Atlas and Delta Programmes said: "The MUOS-3 spacecraft is the heaviest payload to launch atop an Atlas V launch vehicle. The Atlas V generated more than two and half million pounds of thrust at liftoff to meet the demands of lifting this nearly 7.5-ton satellite."

This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) 551 configuration vehicle, which includes a 5-metre diametre payload fairing along with five Aerojet Rocketdyne solid rocket motors attached to the Atlas booster.

MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system designed to significantly improve ground communications to US forces on the move and around the globe.

The EELV programme was established by the United States Air Force to provide assured access to space for Department of Defence and other government payloads.