MUOS 5 reaches operational orbit after hiccup

The Navy's fifth Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite has finally reached operational orbit and has successfully deployed its arrays and antennas.

MUOS 5 was launched June 24, however it "experienced a failure of its orbit raising propulsion system that halted the satellite's transfer orbit maneuver to its geosynchronous test orbit," according to a Navy news release. "The MUOS team ensured the satellite remained stable, safe, and under positive control while it investigated the issue and examined options."

"The system will undergo on-orbit testing before final acceptance of the system by the Navy and offering it up for operational use," MUOS Principal Assistant Program Manager Cmdr. Jason Pratt said. "The satellite and its payloads will go through rigorous tests with our ground systems and terminals to make sure everything operates properly."

Developed for the Navy by Lockheed Martin, MUOS radio terminal users "can seamlessly connect around the globe and into the Global Information Grid," according to Lockheed.

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