Navy launches newest communication satellite

A new communications system for the US Navy saw its first component launch on an Atlas V rocket on Feb. 24.

Once fully implemented in 2014, the Multi User Objective System will increase bandwidth available to Navy users tenfold over current capabilities. The MUOS system uses a version of civilian cell network technology called Wide Code Division Multiple Access, or WCDMA to provide users with enhanced communications abilities across the globe.

MUOS also supports legacy technology, making sure that users with older equipment, which functioned over the UHF Follow-On (UFO) satellite constellation, will continue to operate with the new MUOS technology. This obviates the need to completely replace all older systems, and allows a slower and more natural turnover to new systems.

The MUOS satellites are built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems. They weigh 6,800 lbs and have a wingspan of 92 feet and a radio dish 46 feet in diameter.

MUOS-1 was the first of five satellites to be launched; four will be fully operational and one will be an on-orbit spare.

The Atlas V that carried MUOS-1 flew in the 551 configuration, with five solid rocket boosters, a five-meter fairing, and a single engine Centaur upper stage. This is only the third time this configuration has flow, the other two times flew for NASA.

This flight also marked the 200th flight for the venerable Centaur upper stage. The Centaur was the first rocket stage in history to use liquid hydrogen as fuel, and paved the way for the Apollo lunar landing by sending Surveyor landing probes to the Moon.

The first Centaur was launched in 1962, but failed due to the explosion of the Atlas booster. The first successful Centaur flight was not until Nov 1963.

The Centaur has not only graced the top of the Atlas rocket, but was also used on the Titan rockets, which are now retired.

?

Source: http://activities.fit.edu/crimsons/?p=2713

westminster kennel club dog show jeremy lin game winner 19 kids and counting chocolate covered strawberries free ecards shrimp scampi kate upton si cover