Third MUOS satellite launched

The third Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) was launched from Cape Canaveral at 8:04 p.m. EST on Jan. 20, aboard an Atlas V rocket. The satellite is now responding to ground commands, according to a Lockheed Martin news release.

MUOS-4 is scheduled to launch later this year. MUOS-1 and 2 were launched in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The fourth and final MUOS ground station will be delivered to the Navy later early this year.

Related: Lockheed opens MUOS development facility

Related: Radios connect across 2,000 miles with MUOS

"The addition of this satellite will give the MUOS constellation coverage over more than three-quarters of the globe, further extending the reach of the advanced communications capabilities MUOS will provide our mobile warfighters," said Iris Bombelyn, vice president of narrowband communications at Lockheed Martin.

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