MUOS-3 Launch

The third Lockheed Martin-built Mobile User Objective System satellite will launch Jan. 20 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, according to a company statement.

On Dec. 18, MUOS-3 was encapsulated into its payload fairing, a Dec. 19 statement reads.

"MUOS is a game changer in communications for our warfighters and will allow them to have high-fidelity voice conversations, networked team calls and data exchange, including video, with anyone connected to a secure terminal around the world," Iris Bombelyn, narrowband communications vice president for Lockheed Martin said in a Dec. 19 statement. "The launch of MUOS-3 will increase our network coverage to about three-quarters of the globe."

MUOS is anticipated to provide global communications coverage for the U.S. military before the end of 2015.