Navy Communications Satellite Launched Into Space

CAPE CANAVERAL (CBSMiami/AP) — The U.S. Navy has a new high-tech piece of communications equipment orbiting the earth after successfully launching a new military communications satellite into space.

An unmanned Atlas 5 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Friday morning. The satellite will provide narrowband tactical communications designed to improve ground communications for U.S. forces on the move.

The Lockheed-Martin built spacecraft is the second Mobile User Objective System satellite put into orbit for the Navy. The system will give the military the capability for more communications over existing systems, including simultaneous voice, video and data transmissions.

A total of four of the satellites are planned.

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