posted 04-27-2019 06:30 PM               

Never seen a launch live, grew up in the '60s watching on TV. Launch was great, was most impressed by how white the flame was. Got back home, found out the satellite had a propulsion malfunction.

posted 04-27-2019 07:00 PM               

The fifth MUOS satellite – which stands for Mobile User Objective System – launched June 24 and was expected to reach a geosynchronous orbit 35,000 kilometers above Hawaii by July 3, according to the Navy.

But the main orbit-raising propulsion system failed during the maneuvers, leaving the Lockheed Martin Space Systems-built satellite stuck in limbo in a "stable intermediate orbit." Launch operators weren't too concerned about the orbit degrading; yet the satellite wasn't at an optimal position for use.

Davis said MUOS operators performed a series of 26 orbit-raising burns over six weeks using thrusters intended for station keeping and relocation. The new orbit — which MUOS-5 reached Oct. 22 — is slightly less circular and more inclined than the original intended orbit. However, the Navy does not expect operations of the satellite's onboard communications systems to be affected by the change.