It now seems that the satellite, possibly the first of the Mobile User Objective System satellites, is a replacement for the UHF Follow-On System (Ultra High Frequency Follow-On; UFO) constellation, a communication system for airborne, ship, submarine, and ground forces. The launch of the first UHF Follow-On System satellite took place on the 25th March 1993, and it had a working orbital lifespan of 14-years.
The Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellites are a constellation of geosynchronous satellites developed for the United States Department of Defence. The geostationary Pan satellite (Prototype 360-degree project, NORAD designation USA 207) will provide command and control links for US mobile forces and various Government agencies.
-- Edited by Blobrana on Wednesday 9th of September 2009 02:38:06 PM
United Launch Alliance Atlas V Successfully Launches PAN Satellite A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, on behalf of the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, successfully launched the PAN satellite at 5:35 p.m. EDT, today from Space Launch Complex- 41 as a commercial launch service. This launch marks the 10th overall mission for ULA in 2009 and the third Atlas V mission of the year.
"ULA is proud to have played a critical role in the success of this important mission. Close teamwork with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral made today's launch possible" - Mark Wilkins, ULA vice president of Atlas programs.
A super-secret U.S. government satellite is circling Earth today after a lumbering launch Tuesday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A powerful Atlas V rocket rose slowly off its oceanside launch pad at 5:35 p.m., a sign that the clandestine cargo was a heavy load -- up to 5 tons. The 19-story rocket flew straight up before arcing out over the Atlantic Ocean on a due east trajectory -- the flight path communications satellites typically take to geostationary orbit 22,300 miles above Earth.
The two-page ULA mission handbook offers little insight into the details of the mission but shows that PAN will be deployed just under two hours into flight. Read more