Video: Atlas rocket lifts Navy satellite into orbit

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the second Mobile User Objective System satellite (MUOS-2) for the U.S. Navy was launched from Space Launch Complex-41 on Friday.

This is ULA's sixth 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.

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Video: Second Navy MUOS satellite loaded aboard rocket

The U.S. Navy's second Mobile User Objective System satellite (known as MUOS-2), encapsulated inside a five-meter diameter payload fairing, was recently mated to a United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster in preparation for launch Friday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.

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