MUOS 3

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MUOS 3 is classified as:

Geostationary

NORAD ID: 40374

Int'l Code: 2015-002A

Launch date: January 21, 2015
Source: United States (US)
Launch site: AIR FORCE EASTERN TEST RANGE (AFETR)

MUOS 3 is the 3rd satellite of the U.S. Navy's Mobile User Objective System communications network, which remains under construction, with one more primary satellite set to launch and an on-orbit spare. MUOS 1 was launched Feb. 24, 2012 aboard an Atlas 5 and serves as the Pacific Ocean satellite. MUOS 2 launched July 19, 2013 aboard another Atlas 5 and serves as the continental U.S. satellite. The MUOS satellite No. 3, set to become the Atlantic Ocean regional satellite, takes the next step to assemble a worldwide communications system using 3G-cellular technology for ships, submarines, aircraft, land vehicles and terminals in the hands of troops. The new system offers more bandwidth on demand, better voice quality, simultaneous voice and data and better connectivity on the move in remote locations, under weather, in urban environments than ever before. Users will include the four branches of military, government agencies, border patrol and the president. From its eventual spot in geosynchronous orbit, a parking spot 22,300 miles (35,888 km) up, the expansive footprint of MUOS 3 will cover nearly a third of the planet. MUOS serves a dual-provider of both voice traffic currently routed by the Navy's existing generation, albeit aging, Ultra High Frequency Follow-On spacecraft, but it also creates a new era of mobile communications built around 3G cellular technology to relay narrowband tactical information such as calls, data messaging, file transfers and email on rates of up to 384 Kilobits per second.