MACSAT (Multiple Access Communications Satellite) 1 and 2 were two third-generation digital communications satellites, launched simultaneously on 9 May 1990, to demonstrate tactical ultra-high frequency (UHF) voice, data, fax, and video store-and-forward capabilities for the United States military. The gravity gradient boom on one spacecraft failed to deploy; the other spacecraft was used during Operation Desert Storm for relaying messages to and from troops in the Gulf region.