14 DAY TRIAL // The United States Navy launched a new tactical satellite from Florida yesterday, February 24. The advanced Mobile User Objective System-1 (MUOS-1) spacecraft will improve the nation's communication capabilities, and help soldiers in the field gain the upper hand in any confrontation.
As the name implies, MUOS-1 is the first vehicle in a brand-new constellation, which is to be completed over the next decade or so. The satellite took off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS), in Florida, at 5:15 pm EST (2215 GMT), Space reports.
The spacecraft was successfully delivered to orbit by an Atlas V delivery system. Originally, launch was supposed to occur on February 16 or February 17, but unfavorable conditions at the pad did not allow Mission Control to give the go-ahead.
MUOS-1 is expected to become operational in about 6 months, after completing a thorough verification and commissioning stage. It will operate from a geostationary orbit above the Pacific Ocean.