U.S. military communications satellite fails to reach intended orbit

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Technology | Tue Aug 2, 2016 6:33pm EDT
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U.S. military communications satellite fails to reach intended orbit

CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. | BY IRENE KLOTZ

A propulsion system problem has left a U.S. military communications satellite short of its intended orbit, leaving a key communications network over the Middle East, Africa and Asia without a spare, officials said on Tuesday.

The satellite, known as MUOS-5, is the second spacecraft built by Lockheed Martin Corp that has fallen short of its mission goals within the past two weeks.

On July 25, the military called off efforts to recover a Lockheed Martin weather satellite that had suffered a power system failure two years into its five-year design life.

Lockheed did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Mobile User Objective System, or MUOS, satellite was intended to serve as an on-orbit spare, so there is no immediate impact to operations, Steven Davis, spokesman with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, said in a statement.

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-space-military-satellite-idUSKCN10D2KV

[anoNY42]

1. Tom Clancy

would say that the "communications satellite" thing was cover for a NSA spy sat, and that it indeed reached its intended orbit.

Only President Ryan would know the truth...