NASASpaceFlight.com Forum
Commercial and US Government Launch Vehicles => ULA - Delta, Atlas, Vulcan => Topic started by: jacqmans on 01/16/2013 02:41 pm
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Lockheed Martin Completes Work On U.S. Navy's Second MUOS Satellite
Date: 16-Jan-2013 10:28 AM
MUOS-2 to be Placed in Storage Prior to 2013 Launch
SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 16, 2013 - Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has successfully completed required system testing on the second satellite in the U.S. Navy's Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), designated MUOS-2. The satellite has been placed in storage to await its scheduled launch date in July 2013.
The MUOS constellation will provide significantly improved and secure communications for mobile warfighters, including simultaneous voice, video and data services - similar to the capabilities experienced today with smart phones. The first MUOS satellite, launched February 24, and the associated ground system are currently providing legacy on orbit capability, followed by the launch of MUOS-2 in 2013. The five-satellite, global constellation is expected to achieve full operational capability in 2015.
"The joint U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin MUOS team completed an efficient integration and test campaign of MUOS-2 and we look forward to delivering this critical satellite for launch," said Iris Bombelyn, vice president for the Lockheed Martin's Narrowband Communications mission area. "As we continue to produce MUOS satellites, we expect to drive even greater efficiency and affordability into our operations."
In the spring of 2013, Lockheed Martin will remove the satellite from storage, perform final spacecraft component installations and conduct a final factory confidence test in Sunnyvale, Calif., prior to shipping MUOS-2 to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., for its launch aboard an Atlas V rocket.
MUOS satellites are equipped with a Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) payload that provides a 16-fold increase in transmission throughput over the current Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite system. Lockheed Martin announced completion and delivery of the waveform last week. Each MUOS satellite also includes a legacy UHF payload that is fully compatible with the current UHF Follow-on system and legacy terminals. This dual-payload design ensures a smooth transition to the cutting-edge WCDMA technology while the UFO system is phased out.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., is the MUOS prime contractor and system integrator. The Navy's Program Executive Office for Space Systems, Chantilly, Va., and its Communications Satellite Program Office, San Diego, Calif., are responsible for the MUOS program.
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Any info on the Atlas serial number?
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US Navy’s second MUOS satellite readies for launch in July
The US Navy's second Lockheed Martin-built Mobile User Objective System (MUOS-2) satellite has been delivered to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, US, marking the start of launch site testing process and delivery to orbit.
http://www.naval-technology.com/news/newsus-navy-second-muos-satellite-readies-launch-july
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Lockheed Transports MUOS-2 Satellite to U.S. Navy Base
May 15, 2013
Lockheed Martin Corp. has handed over to the U.S. Navy its second mobile communications satellite to commence site testing and delivery of the spacecraft to orbit.
http://www.thenewnewinternet.com/2013/05/15/done-lockheed-transports-muos-2-satellite-to-u-s-navy-base/
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L2 info:
· Wet Dress Rehearsal scheduled > 6/27/13
· Launch scheduled > 7/19/13, window: 0851L – 0935L
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I'm trying to resolve three data points:
D1) The MUOS-2 satellite is mentioned as being around 15,000 lbs.
D2) The Atlas 551 is listed as supporting about 19,000 lbs to GTO.
D3) The MUOS launch was listed as "performance-limited" by Jake Szatkowski's iCubeSat 2012 presentation, in the context of rideshare availability for payloads between single-digit kilograms up to metric tons.
So, on the face of it, there might seem to be a couple metric tons free in there. Is it
1) ULA was giving MUOS "room to grow," that is, there actually is some capacity available, but they wanted to reserve that capacity in case the customer wanted to make some requirements changes that might reduce it?
2) ULA wants to reserve some margin for mission assurance, perhaps like the RL-10 underperformance a few launches back?
3) MUOSes go to a more energetic orbit than GTO and the 19,000 lbs figure is too high for these satellites?
4) The 15,000 lbs weight figure does not include an adapter or maneuvering fuel or some other hardware (packing peanuts :) ), which is included in the 19,000 lb figure, so there is in fact no extra margin?
5) Fact D1 or D2 is incorrect?
6) the write-in choice, something different from any of the above?
And, perhaps wandering a bit from MUOS-2, if the Orion flight checks out dual-engine Centaurs, is it likely to be used by slightly overweight former 551 satellite customers (I guess NRO, rarely DoD, and very rarely NASA flagship and/or big interplanetary missions)? Is it considerably cheaper than a Delta Heavy?
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I'm trying to resolve three data points:
D1) The MUOS-2 satellite is mentioned as being around 15,000 lbs.
D2) The Atlas 551 is listed as supporting about 19,000 lbs to GTO.
D3) The MUOS launch was listed as "performance-limited" by Jake Szatkowski's iCubeSat 2012 presentation, in the context of rideshare availability for payloads between single-digit kilograms up to metric tons.
So, on the face of it, there might seem to be a couple metric tons free in there. Is it
1) ULA was giving MUOS "room to grow," that is, there actually is some capacity available, but they wanted to reserve that capacity in case the customer wanted to make some requirements changes that might reduce it?
2) ULA wants to reserve some margin for mission assurance, perhaps like the RL-10 underperformance a few launches back?
3) MUOSes go to a more energetic orbit than GTO and the 19,000 lbs figure is too high for these satellites?
4) The 15,000 lbs weight figure does not include an adapter or maneuvering fuel or some other hardware (packing peanuts :) ), which is included in the 19,000 lb figure, so there is in fact no extra margin?
5) Fact D1 or D2 is incorrect?
6) the write-in choice, something different from any of the above?
And, perhaps wandering a bit from MUOS-2, if the Orion flight checks out dual-engine Centaurs, is it likely to be used by slightly overweight former 551 satellite customers (I guess NRO, rarely DoD, and very rarely NASA flagship and/or big interplanetary missions)? Is it considerably cheaper than a Delta Heavy?
Option 3, obviously. ;) Last time MUOS-1 was launched towards a 3460 * 35786 km * 19 deg. GTO (http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/missionbooklets/AV/av_muos1_mob.pdf), which obviously requires more performance than the "standard GTO" (200 * 35786 km * 28.5 deg.) listed for the 19,000 lbs performance.
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Option 3, obviously. ;) Last time MUOS-1 was launched towards a 3460 * 35786 km * 19 deg. GTO (http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/missionbooklets/AV/av_muos1_mob.pdf), which obviously requires more performance than the "standard GTO" (200 * 35786 km * 28.5 deg.) listed for the 19,000 lbs performance.
Ah, thanks!
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"MUOSes? I don't believe they exist."
"RAWRRR!" (giant rodent leaping out of the ground) --The Princess Bride
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BTW, Orion and SLS are human rating the DIVUS. Which is still single engine. The Commercial Crew program is doing the DEC. But it adds about 2tonnes only to LEO. It's got worse performance to high energy orbits (MEO/GTO).
I ignore the effect to SSO. But I'm assuming the since ULA is tryi g to use the stock of RL10, they'll rather save an engine and use an extra solid. After all, they have already validated most payloads to SEC. Why change a working solution and have to press ahead the NGE at the same time?
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BTW, Orion and SLS are human rating the DIVUS. Which is still single engine. The Commercial Crew program is doing the DEC. But it adds about 2tonnes only to LEO. It's got worse performance to high energy orbits (MEO/GTO).
I ignore the effect to SSO. But I'm assuming the since ULA is tryi g to use the stock of RL10, they'll rather save an engine and use an extra solid. After all, they have already validated most payloads to SEC. Why change a working solution and have to press ahead the NGE at the same time?
Ah, that's right. I guess it was the CST-100 program that was talking about verifying the additional flow paths for DEC, not Orion. And SEC is not DCSS. I guess Orion and SLS are human rating DCSS for SLS interim, not for Delta; and CST-100 and DreamChaser are both using Atlas and trying to human-rate it. Whew.
I don't have much faith in NGE efforts ("this RL-10C-3-3C-3 has all the advantages of NGE, plus it's lighter and has higher ISP"), but I'd really like to see ACES happen.
Anyway, back to the regularly scheduled MUOS-2 programming.
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6) the write-in choice, something different from any of the above?
Option 3, obviously. ;) Last time MUOS-1 was launched towards a 3460 * 35786 km * 19 deg. GTO (http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/missionbooklets/AV/av_muos1_mob.pdf), which obviously requires more performance than the "standard GTO" (200 * 35786 km * 28.5 deg.) listed for the 19,000 lbs performance.
It can also be in-flight retargeting (http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1990fmet.symp..511L) where the Centaur raises the final orbit while extending the burn to expend any surplus fuel, minimizing the satellite propellant that has to be used to get to the final orbit.
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U.S. Hopes Court Ruling, New Studies Will Break Impasse on MUOS Station
WASHINGTON — U.S. government officials hope an Italian appeals court ruling and results from a pair of health studies, all expected within a month, will help break an impasse that has halted work on a critical U.S. military satellite ground station in Sicily.
Construction of the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) ground station in Niscemi, Italy, was halted in April following months of protests sparked by concerns about harmful electromagnetic radiation that might be emitted from the site. The station is one of four being built for MUOS, a U.S. Navy satellite system intended to serve mobile forces.
http://www.spacenews.com/article/military-space/35921us-hopes-court-ruling-new-studies-will-break-impasse-on-muos-station#.UciP1ozCSUk
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The second Mobile User Objective System satellite is prepared for launch at Cape Canavaral Air Force Station, Fla., in June 2013. It is the last time the satellite can be visible before encapsulated in its fairing.
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Any info on wet dress? Wasn't it supposed to be Thursday?
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L2 info:
SLC-41 – Atlas V / MUOS-2
Wet Dress Rehearsal scheduled > 6/28/13
Launch scheduled > 7/19/13, window: 0851L – 0935L
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MUOS are the first satellites to require a 5m Medium fairing, right? I find it interesting that that's because of the dish position, since, basically, all the ogive is empty.
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It appears that the MUOS-2 spacecraft was moved to Space Launch Complex 41 overnight. @Philtill777 on Twitter posted a pic that appears to be the same KAMAG transporter that has moved Atlas Payloads in the past (MSL pic below) rolling down the road at KSC.
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It appears that the MUOS-2 spacecraft was moved to Space Launch Complex 41 overnight. @Philtill777 on Twitter posted a pic that appears to be the same KAMAG transporter that has moved Atlas Payloads in the past (MSL pic below) rolling down the road at KSC.
If that is the VAB is the background, that means the KAMAG is heading west towards Astrotech. If so, then I would say that the spacecraft is still at Astrotech
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If that is the VAB is the background, that means the KAMAG is heading west towards Astrotech. If so, then I would say that the spacecraft is still at Astrotech
I was thinking the same thing, but the MUOS-2 spacecraft was encapsulated a week ago tomorrow, and it seems that they rollout pretty quickly after encapsulation. Either way, the spacecraft is either on the rocket now, or will be in the next few days.
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How far do you guys think this launch will be visible from? I'll be about an hour north of Jacksonville, FL during this launch. And I was wondering if I'd be able to see it.
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MUOS-2 was hoisted atop an Atlas V rocket earlier today.
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MUOS-2 was hoisted atop an Atlas V rocket earlier today.
Picture here.
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av040/payload/#.Udr8M8u9KSM
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MUOS-2 was hoisted atop an Atlas V rocket earlier today.
Picture here.
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av040/payload/#.Udr8M8u9KSM (http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av040/payload/#.Udr8M8u9KSM)
nice cutaway from that article http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/products/Cutaways/Atlas500_Cutaway.pdf (http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/docs/products/Cutaways/Atlas500_Cutaway.pdf)
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Atlas V MUOS-2 Encapsulation
Published on Jul 8, 2013
In preparation for launch, the U.S. Navy's second Mobile User Objective System (MUOS-2) satellite is encapsulated inside a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 5-meter diameter payload fairing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAIETZZc-es
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MUOS-2 was hoisted atop an Atlas V rocket earlier today.
Picture here.
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av040/payload/#.Udr8M8u9KSM
That is an old iamge of the first MUOS satellite :o
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BTW the launch time moved a bit to 8:48 - 9:32 am EDT (12:48 - 13:32 UTC), per the ULA updates page.
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A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 5-meter diameter payload fairing, with the Navy's MUOS-2 satellite encapsulated inside, is transported and mated to an Atlas V launch vehicle in the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
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How far do you guys think this launch will be visible from? I'll be about an hour north of Jacksonville, FL during this launch. And I was wondering if I'd be able to see it.
As long as skies are clear enough, you will see it.
Thanks for the info!
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Ok so as one of the mission patch obsessed person on this forum I shall ask. Is there a good digital format for this mission patch? I know in like three or four days it will be all over the place but just looking to throw something up on my Facebook.
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Atlas V to Launch the Second Mobile User Objective System (MUOS-2)
Rocket/Payload: An Atlas V 551 will launch the Navy’s second Mobile User Objective System (MUOS-2) satellite.
Date/Site/Launch Time: Friday, July 19, 2013, from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. The 44-minute launch window opens at 8:48 a.m. EDT.
Viewing the Launch by Webcast: A live simulcast of the launch broadcast will begin at 8:28 a.m. EDT.
Mission Description: The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system designed to significantly improve ground communications for U.S. forces on the move.
MUOS will provide military users 10 times more communications capability over existing systems, including simultaneous voice, video and data, leveraging 3G mobile communications technology.
Launch Notes: The first MUOS mission also launched on an Atlas V 551, lifting off from Cape Canaveral on Feb. 24, 2012.
Launch Updates: To keep up to speed with updates to the launch countdown, dial the ULA launch hotline at 1-877-852-4321. Join the conversation at facebook.com/ulalaunch and twitter.com/ulalaunch; look for the #MUOS hashtag.
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Looks like some extra space available in that fairing. Would the Army, Navy, AF allow cubestats to share the ride?
The question is more in the line of "rules" locked down or written.
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Looks like some extra space available in that fairing. Would the Army, Navy, AF allow cubestats to share the ride?
The question is more in the line of "rules" locked down or written.
Volume is not the critical factor (there are always places to add cubsats, it is performance that is limiting.
Also, very few cubesats want to be LEO at 28 inclination (doesn't allow for any CONUS ground stations except in FL) or GTO (transmitter power)
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Ok so as one of the mission patch obsessed person on this forum I shall ask. Is there a good digital format for this mission patch? I know in like three or four days it will be all over the place but just looking to throw something up on my Facebook.
Here you go.
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Thank you. I knew as soon as I asked places like Spaceflightnow would make it publicly available. However you never know if the well informed bloggers here have an in. Hoping for a beautiful launch waking up at 4:48am here in Alaska :)
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A very nice launch brochure with detailed information.
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Thanks for posting that.
I got some pictures that I took on Friday. I'll be sure to post them this weekend.
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L-4 Update Memo - ULA MEDIA UPDATE: ULA Atlas V MUOS-2 Launch Set for July 19, 8:48 a.m. EDT
Good evening,
Everything is progressing for the U.S. Navy’s Mobile User Objective System- 2 (MUOS-2) launch. The mission is set to liftoff on a ULA Atlas V on Friday, July 19 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The 44-minute launch window opens at 8:48 a.m. EDT. Today’s L-4 forecast shows a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.
Weather Forecast
Overall probability of violating weather constraints:
60%; Primary concern(s): Cumulus Clouds, Anvil Clouds
Overall probability of violating weather constraints for 24 hour delay:
30%; Primary concern(s): Cumulus Clouds
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Atlas V MUOS-2 Encapsulated Payload Lift and Mate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ7kAXPDGpA
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ULA's Atlas V rolls to the pad.
First motion was 10:57 am for the Atlas V with MUOS-2 roll to the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral.
https://twitter.com/ulalaunch/status/357515349211627520
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On the pad
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Does anyone know why the rollout for this one happened 48 hours before launch? Don't they usually go about 24 hours before?
- Ed Kyle
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Does anyone know why the rollout for this one happened 48 hours before launch? Don't they usually go about 24 hours before?
- Ed Kyle
Actually if you look at all of the previous launches, their roll times can vary by a day. I have sort of noticed recently that the 400 series seems to rollout about 12 hours closer to the launch time than the 500 series. My guesses are: 1) more connections to mate and longer verification process that might be associated with use of more Stage-0 SRBMs | 2) the earlier rollout might be due to a customer request. I plan to compare the rollout times for MUOS-1 with MUOS-2 as well as compare them the other 500-series missions previously flown.
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ULA @ulalaunch
First motion was 10:57 am for the Atlas V with MUOS-2 roll to the pad at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral.
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From last night
ULA:
The Launch Readiness Review was completed today and mission managers gave a go for launch on Friday. The U.S. Navy’s Mobile User Objective System- 2 (MUOS-2) mission is set to liftoff on a ULA Atlas V on Friday, July 19 from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The 44-minute launch window opens at 8:48 a.m. EDT. Today’s L-3 forecast continues to show a 40 percent chance of favorable weather conditions for launch.
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I'll be out on the beach looking towards the Cape!
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I'll be out on the beach looking towards the Cape!
If you can and or will take somr high res photos for us ;D
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Does anyone know why the rollout for this one happened 48 hours before launch? Don't they usually go about 24 hours before?
- Ed Kyle
Just to roll during daylight hours? Not a large enough crew to roll during the day today and then start the count tonight.
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I'll be out on the beach looking towards the Cape!
If you can and or will take somr high res photos for us ;D
Well its either a video or pictures. Which one is preferred?
I'm up by Jacksonville, so like someone in here said, I should be able to see it.
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Moved for live overage...
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Pics from ULA....
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ULA T-3 Hours Statement:
Everything is progressing toward an on-time launch of the MUOS-2 satellite for the U.S. Navy at the opening of a 44-minute window at 8:48 a.m. EDT. The team is not currently working any technical issues. The weather forecast continues to show a 40 percent chance of favorable weather for launch today.
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William Graham's excellent overview:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/07/ula-atlas-v-launch-muos-2/
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Live from the pad, go for fueling was given at about 1035 UTC.
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Great picture and welcome to the forum!
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ULA @ulalaunch
We've have the GO for cryo tanking. Proceeding with the count.
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Topping off Centaur. First stage O2 fill...
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Centaur engine chilldown, go to fill LH...
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ULA: Cryogenic tanking continues and the team is not working any technical issues at this time. Weather is currently green.
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Countdown at http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Webcast.shtml – translation begin in 25 min.
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Topping off Centaur LH...
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Weather has improved, 70% chance of acceptable conditions.
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Webcast is live!
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Here we go!
There's the fat headed lady! :D
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Steve's got a rocket tie
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Today's passenger.
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78 degrees. Warmer in the UK, much warmer :o
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Rollout video.
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T-4 mins. L-14 mins.
Now into the BIH for 10 mins.
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78 degrees. Warmer in the UK, much warmer :o
Can confirm, its about 28C or 83f were I am sitting currently.
We are in the 10 min hold!
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It's beautiful weather out here! Once she clears the low clouds, we should have a good view.
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Range RED. Upper Level Winds. Awaiting new T-0.
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larger pic
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Upper level winds are NO GO. This can't be like STS-133 where they had two seconds of hold-time remaining.
Don't remind me...I was there
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Upper level winds are NO GO. This can't be like STS-133 where they had two seconds of hold-time remaining.
Doesn't really work like that ;)
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New T-0....denied.
Response was they need 12:58 UTC minimum.
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New T-0: 13:00 ZULU - 10 mins from now.
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Range GREEN.
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Coming up on polling.
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Polling - Go to proceed to terminal count.
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Permission to launch at the top of the hour.
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T-4 mins and counting.
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Tanks to flight pressure. FTS internal.
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T-60 seconds.
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Go Atlas. Go Centaur.
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LAUNCH!!
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MaxQ
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SRB jettison.
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I love the foward looking video of the LH vent!!!
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Fairing Jettison.
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Didn't see anything over here. But nonetheless a great launch by the Atlas team!!
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Oh. My. Goodness, this is nice! ;D
Staging. 1-2 sep. Second stage ignition.
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Loving the on rocket cameras, that RL-10 looks cool as hell.
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MECO-1 on the Centaur.
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Seven minutes to the second of three burns.
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Did he just say "We have tripple tickle on thrust"? ;D
Second burn underway!
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And there's MECO-2.
Now into a long coast. ULA will be ending their coverage.
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Webcast ending. Hopefully ULA get a few more contracts so they can afford to webcast in higher resolution than a Commodore 64.
This is the best I managed.
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Atlas 551 is pretty sporty off the pad and getting to Mach 1. Epic video thanks ULA! :)
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Webcast ending. Hopefully ULA get a few more contracts so they can afford to webcast in higher resolution than a Commodore 64.
This is the best I managed.
Ha! Lol here. My webcast kept slowing down so things were happening 20-30 seconds behind the timeline. For a moment I thought something had gone wrong but then realized it was just internet fun & games. Congrats to all involved and thanks ULA for the nice rocket cam coverage.
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And thanks to Chris and NSF community for excellent coverage as always!
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Current state of play via William's article:
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/07/ula-atlas-v-launch-muos-2/
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I've seen several reports about MUOS 2 being the "heaviest ever" Atlas 5 payload. How can that be stated with certainty? Atlas 5 has flown several NRO payloads, including launches to LEO from the west coast. The mass of those satellites were not reported. Even a 401 could lift more than 6.8 tonnes to a near polar LEO.
- Ed Kyle
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQvt_Ysbnpk
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Launch photo of ULA's Atlas V with MUOS-2
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Launch time: 1300:00.242UTC.
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Here is a photo I took from the foot of the SR528 bridge near the Port.
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I've seen several reports about MUOS 2 being the "heaviest ever" Atlas 5 payload. How can that be stated with certainty? Atlas 5 has flown several NRO payloads, including launches to LEO from the west coast. The mass of those satellites were not reported. Even a 401 could lift more than 6.8 tonnes to a near polar LEO.
- Ed Kyle
Come on Ed, let the PR folks have fun. Considering it is only the fourth v551, it at least is the heaviest payload to GEO! Assuming they didn't save some weight over MUOS 1.
Do you have any evidence that AV-006,AV-025,AV-027, or AV-033 might have weighed more? Though AV-006 and AV-027 did need a solid for extra performance...
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Here is a photo I took from the foot of the SR528 bridge near the Port.
Nice!
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Nice commentary by ULA's Matt Donovan. Great job, ULA!
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I've seen several reports about MUOS 2 being the "heaviest ever" Atlas 5 payload. How can that be stated with certainty? Atlas 5 has flown several NRO payloads, including launches to LEO from the west coast. The mass of those satellites were not reported. Even a 401 could lift more than 6.8 tonnes to a near polar LEO.
- Ed Kyle
The quote came from a ULA VP. I would assume he confirmed that before stating it, but that's just me. You can continue to be skeptical.
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I've seen several reports about MUOS 2 being the "heaviest ever" Atlas 5 payload. How can that be stated with certainty? Atlas 5 has flown several NRO payloads, including launches to LEO from the west coast. The mass of those satellites were not reported. Even a 401 could lift more than 6.8 tonnes to a near polar LEO.
- Ed Kyle
The quote came from a ULA VP. I would assume he confirmed that before stating it, but that's just me. You can continue to be skeptical.
If true, he confirmed an upper limit for the classified mass of those other payloads - unless those payloads contained more than one satellite allowing doublespeak subterfuge.
- Ed Kyle
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approaching final burn and release
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Satellite should have been separated by now.
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Success, I think, from Facebook ???
Air Force Space Command
The U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing successfully launched the second Mobile User Objective System satellite, built by Lockheed Martin, for the U.S. Navy at 9 a.m. EDT July 19. Way to go team!
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Waiting for ULA to release.
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And there it is:
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. (July 19, 2013) – A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the second Mobile User Objective System (MUOS-2) satellite for the United States Navy lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 here at 9 a.m. EDT today. This was ULA’s 6th launch of an aggressive 12 mission schedule for the year and the 72nd ULA mission since its formation in 2006. MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system designed to significantly improve beyond-line-of-sight communications for U.S. forces on the move. MUOS will provide military users 10 times more communications capacity over the existing system by leveraging 3G mobile communications technology, and will provide simultaneous voice and data capability.
Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance
United Launch Alliance Atlas V Rocket Successfully Launches Mobile User Objective System-2 Mission for U.S. Navy
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., (July 19, 2013) – A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the second Mobile User Objective System (MUOS-2) satellite for the United States Navy lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 here at 9 a.m. EDT today. This was ULA’s 6th launch of an aggressive 12 mission schedule for the year and the 72nd ULA mission since its formation in 2006.
"United Launch Alliance is honored to serve with our mission partners in the preparation and launch of this critical mission for the U.S. Navy and for our U.S. Air Force customer,” said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Atlas and Delta Programs. “This joint government and industry team is keenly focused on mission success and enabling MUOS-2 to provide vital communications capability to the women and men protecting our freedom around the world.”
The MUOS-2 mission was launched aboard an Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) 551 configuration vehicle, which includes a 5.4-meter diameter RUAG Space payload fairing along with five Aerojet Rocketdyne solid rocket motors attached to the Atlas booster. The Atlas booster for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine and the Centaur upper stage was powered by a single Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10A engine.
“At nearly 15,000 pounds, MUOS-2 is the heaviest satellite launched to date by an Atlas launch vehicle, and today’s Atlas vehicle provided 2.5 million pounds of thrust during the boost phase,” said Sponnick.
MUOS is a next-generation narrowband tactical satellite communications system designed to significantly improve beyond-line-of-sight communications for U.S. forces on the move. MUOS will provide military users 10 times more communications capacity over the existing system by leveraging 3G mobile communications technology, and will provide simultaneous voice and data capability.
Developed by the United States Air Force to assure access to space for Department of Defense and other government payloads, the EELV Program supports the full range of government mission requirements, while delivering on schedule and providing significant cost savings over the heritage launch systems.
ULA's next launch is the Delta IV WGS-6 mission for the U.S. Air Force scheduled Aug. 7 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
ULA program management, engineering, test, and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., and Harlingen, Texas. Launch operations are located at Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., and Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
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38 for 39
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Congrats ULA and thanks for the awesome rocket cams--actually the US Govt ended up paying for those ;)
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Oh wow, Corkery is good! Zoom in on the tail of the vehicle in the last of the three photos. Peeking above the exhaust cloud, just to the left of the vehicle, is the very top of the mobile launch platform!
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Love those pictures. Thanks Pat! ;D
Always good to have rocket cam footage.
So how many of those SRBs is that now? Pretty good job by Aerojet.
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Congrats and well done! Thanks for the coverage and the pics. Sounded like it really had some lungs! :)
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Congrats ULA!
Yeah, some wicked photos by Pat.
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38 for 39
Not according to ULA or their customers.
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Isn't it 31 for ULA (8 for Lockheed)?
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38 for 39
Not according to ULA or their customers.
The truth is out there for anyone interested in fact-based history.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2007/06/atlas-v-nro-l-30-launches-but-sends-payloads-to-wrong-orbit/
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av009/status.html
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1222
http://www.planet4589.org/space/lvdb/launch/Atlas5
http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atlas-5.htm
- Ed Kyle
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38 for 39
Not according to ULA or their customers.
The truth is out there for anyone interested in fact-based history.
http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2007/06/atlas-v-nro-l-30-launches-but-sends-payloads-to-wrong-orbit/
http://spaceflightnow.com/atlas/av009/status.html
http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=1222
http://www.planet4589.org/space/lvdb/launch/Atlas5
http://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atlas-5.htm
- Ed Kyle
Agreed, although I currently score it at 38.75/39, admittedly a bit generous.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmPWU2cv0ps (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmPWU2cv0ps)
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ATK Composite, Propulsion and Spacecraft Technologies Help Launch MUOS-2 Satellite
ATK Supports the Launch of United Launch Alliance's Atlas V
ARLINGTON, Va., July 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) provided critical hardware for both the second satellite in the Navy's Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), designated MUOS-2, and the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V launch vehicle that launched today from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
MUOS is the next generation in narrowband tactical satellite communications systems. The MUOS constellation, for which Lockheed Martin Space Systems is the prime contractor, will provide mobile warfighters with significantly improved and secure communications.
"ATK's continued involvement in the successful Atlas V missions is a source of great pride to our workforce," said Joy de Lisser, vice president and general manager of ATK Aerospace Structures division. "Our ongoing support of ULA missions is a critical element of our business, and we are proud to provide tactical support for the U.S warfighter."
Using advanced fiber placement manufacturing and automated inspection techniques, ATK produced three components for the ULA Atlas V vehicle, including the 10-foot diameter composite heat shield that provides essential protection to the first stage engine, the Centaur Interstage Adapter (CISA) that houses the second stage engine, and the boattail that adapts from the core vehicle to the five-meter diameter fairing. The structures were fabricated by ATK at its Iuka, Miss., facility. This is the 39th Atlas V launch using ATK-built composite structures.
The Atlas V rocket flew in the 551 vehicle configuration with a five-meter fairing, five solid rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. ATK manufactured the Reaction Control System propellant tank for the Atlas V at its Commerce, Calif., facility.
This flight marked the fourth successful flight of the ATK retro motors. Eight of these solid motors supported separation of the spent first stage. The Atlas retrorocket is built at ATK's Elkton, Md., facility.
For the MUOS-2 satellite, ATK provided multiple components and structures:
The spacecraft bus structure, multi-beam antenna support structure, antenna reflectors and tower structures, solar array substrates, yokes and booms were manufactured at ATK's San Diego, Calif., facility.
ATK's Magna, Utah, facility manufactured five-meter and 14-meter antenna payload structures.
The company's Goleta, Calif., facility manufactured the spacecraft's solar array hinges.
The propellant and pressurant tanks for the spacecraft propulsion system were designed and manufactured at ATK's Commerce, Calif., facility.
ATK's Beltsville, Md., facility provided the radiator panels and heat pipes.
The MUOS-2 is the second satellite in the MUOS system, which is scheduled to be a five-satellite, global constellation expected to be fully operational by 2015. MUOS satellites provide a 16x increase in number of accesses over the current Ultra High Frequency (UHF) satellite system requirement.
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Apparently this is a photo of the launch shot from the window of an airplane (shades of the STS-134 launch isn't it?): http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/1iodrz/my_friend_is_an_airline_pilot_he_was_startled_by/ (http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/1iodrz/my_friend_is_an_airline_pilot_he_was_startled_by/)
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For those who want to watch the entire video coverage:
ULA Atlas V 551 DoD MUOS 2 Launch Coverage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-Ad4CJBsUE
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Thanks for the coverage all, they really make it look easy. Atlas launches never get old to me.
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Thanks for the coverage. It certainly tore off the launch pad.
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Here's my view from Playalinda:
(http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r744/MEAT10AF/AtlasVPlayalindaBeach_zpsdb73984a.jpg)
I also recorded some high-quality audio of the liftoff for anyone wanting to give their sub-woofer a good workout:
https://soundcloud.com/marshall-murphy/atlas-v-muos-2-launch-audio (https://soundcloud.com/marshall-murphy/atlas-v-muos-2-launch-audio)
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Here's my view from Playalinda:
(http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r744/MEAT10AF/AtlasVPlayalindaBeach_zpsdb73984a.jpg)
I also recorded some high-quality audio of the liftoff for anyone wanting to give their sub-woofer a good workout:
https://soundcloud.com/marshall-murphy/atlas-v-muos-2-launch-audio (https://soundcloud.com/marshall-murphy/atlas-v-muos-2-launch-audio)
Welcome to the forum! Great photo and audio, thanks for sharing! :)
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Welcome to the forum! Great photo and audio, thanks for sharing! :)
Thank you! Glad to be here!
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And here's my view from KARS park.
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Apparently this is a photo of the launch shot from the window of an airplane (shades of the STS-134 launch isn't it?): http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/1iodrz/my_friend_is_an_airline_pilot_he_was_startled_by/ (http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/1iodrz/my_friend_is_an_airline_pilot_he_was_startled_by/)
Is it? The cloud cover doesn't seem to match, and I would have expected a more significant gravity turn at that point - but I could be wrong.
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Apparently this is a photo of the launch shot from the window of an airplane (shades of the STS-134 launch isn't it?): http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/1iodrz/my_friend_is_an_airline_pilot_he_was_startled_by/ (http://www.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/1iodrz/my_friend_is_an_airline_pilot_he_was_startled_by/)
Is it? The cloud cover doesn't seem to match, and I would have expected a more significant gravity turn at that point - but I could be wrong.
Definitely not STS-134. What you're probably seeing is the angle the picture was taken is directly in line with the track of the rocket. That is to say, it looks like it's going straight up when it's going east. And the cloud pattern looks right from where I was from my perspective during the launch.
Here's STS-134, for example.
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If you build a cell phone/3G like satellite network and can't have all the cell towers/ground stations built, what do you have? ???
http://www.spacesafetymagazine.com/2013/09/06/anti-muos-protest/
T-Mobile ;D which is my carrier BTW
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WASHINGTON — Work on a ground station in the southern Italian territory of Sicily for the U.S. Navy’s next-generation mobile communications program has resumed in recent weeks following a six-month delay, according to a service spokesman.
Officials halted construction at the site in Niscemi, Sicily, in April following months of protests sparked by residents’ concern about harmful electromagnetic radiation that might be emitted from the site. Antenna assembly crews returned to the site Oct. 28, said Steven A. Davis, a spokesman for Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command.
U.S. officials previously said crews would need 14 months to complete the project once work resumes, which leaves little margin given that MUOS is planned to be fully operational by 2015. Barring any further delays, the Niscemi site will be completed in time, Davis said in an email Nov. 14.
Antennas are expected to be lifted into place in mid-January, Davis said.
The multibillion-dollar Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) ultimately will consist of four geostationary-orbiting satellites plus one on-orbit spare, and four ground stations. Built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems of Sunnyvale, Calif, the MUOS constellation is designed to provide smartphone-like communications to mobile forces and do so at rates 10 times faster than the legacy system.
http://www.spacenews.com/article/military-space/38171us-navy-resumes-work-on-muos-ground-station-following-six-month-standoff
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isn't it a little odd to wait this far into check-out to deploy antennas?
http://www.satellitetoday.com/technology/2013/11/21/harris-corporation-unfurlable-mesh-antenna-reflectors-deployed-successfully-on-muos-satellite/?hq_e=el&hq_m=2788773&hq_l=6&hq_v=8a70760939
[Via Satellite 11-21-13] Two unfurlable mesh antenna reflectors developed by Harris Corporation have successfully deployed onboard the second U.S. Navy Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite built by Lockheed Martin.
The MUOS satellite will provide military users with 16 times more narrowband tactical satellite communications capability than existing UHF satellites, making voice, video and data connections more accessible. The satellite was launched on July 19, 2013 from Cape Canaveral Florida onboard an Atlas 5 rocket. This is the second of five MUOS satellites scheduled for deployment.
Harris is scheduled to build 10 reflectors for the MUOS constellation. Each satellite will use two different reflectors. The first is 14 meters in diameter for the purpose of multiple-beam operation in order to increase the amount of traffic the system can support. The second is 5.4 meters and will be used for legacy operations. Harris will secure the gold mesh reflectors to the satellite with precision booms.
Harris also is playing a central role in developing tactical radio terminals that will provide MUOS satellite communications capability to the end-user. MUOS capability will initially be provided via a software upgrade to the Harris Falcon IIIAN/PRC-117G manpack radio platform. Of the Harris wideband radios already deployed to users, more than 30,000 are ready to host the MUOS waveform software.
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On-orbit testing has been completed.
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/december/1202-ss-muos.html
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Lockheed Martin MUOS Satellite Tests Show Extensive Reach in Polar Communications Capability
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2014/january/131-ss-muos.html
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Concerns with the Italian ground site have not been settled
http://www.stripes.com/news/italian-media-to-tour-us-antennas-like-those-at-controversial-sicily-site-1.269718
NAPLES, Italy — State Department and Navy officials will give Italian media a tour of two antenna ground stations in the United States this week in an attempt to allay local fears surrounding a similar site nearing completion in Sicily, officials said.
The trip concerns the Mobile User Objective System, a narrowband satellite communication system that employs dish antennas at four worldwide sites to relay secure voice and data communications to military networks and mobile receivers resembling smartphones. The group will tour the two U.S. sites, one in Chesapeake, Va., and the other in Wahiawa, Hawaii. A fourth site is in Australia.
“It’s a good opportunity to be able to highlight precisely the big picture of the system itself,” said Steven A. Davis, a spokesman for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, which oversees the system.
The Sicily site remains the only one of the four that is not operational. Located in the small town of Niscemi, about 45 miles southwest of the U.S. Navy base in Sigonella, the site has been the target of protests since construction began in 2011.
Protesters fear electromagnetic radiation from the three large dishes, each 60 feet in diameter and mounted on 53-foot pedestals, will harm residents and increase cancer rates. Others decry the involvement of the U.S. military in the region.
Sicilian governor Rosario Crocetta stopped the construction after winning elections in March 2013. An Italian court reversed his decision in July, a week after Italy’s national institute of health released a report calling the risks of the station “negligible.”
Work on the site resumed in October, and construction is now largely completed, with all three dishes mounted on the pedestals. Davis said the site is undergoing testing before becoming operational in fiscal 2015. The antennas will join other communications equipment at the site, known as a Naval Radio Transmitting Facility.
The U.S. tour will highlight the communities around the antenna stations in Virginia and Hawaii, Davis said. The group will begin with a visit to the Pentagon before traveling to Virginia and then Hawaii. The tour will end March 5, Davis said.
Reporters from national outlets La Repubblica, La Stampa and RAI News are among participants, as well as representatives from local outlets La Sicilia and Antenna Sicilia. Davis said the tour was not spurred by any one event.
“It’s not in response to anything particularly. It’s just a good opportunity — the timing was opportune to invite folks over and then get a clear picture themselves about the operations and the local communities in the U.S.”
Two of the five MUOS satellites have already been launched, with another scheduled for this year. The system is considered the next generation for military UHF communications, providing cellular-like service to troops on the ground.
The system was developed by General Dynamics C4 Systems, with Lockheed-Martin as the prime contractor. The Navy will operate the system, and each service will be responsible for acquiring the mobile devices as they see fit, Davis said.
The antenna sites in Australia, Virginia and Hawaii were completed between 2012 and 2013 and turned over to the Navy in January. The Sicily site remains the final ground piece and a necessary part of the full system, he said.
“You’re not going to have true worldwide coverage without the Niscemi site being operational,” he said.