Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Atlas V launch is 30th flight

Liftoff from LC-41. Credit: ULA.

On Friday, an Atlas V carrying the classified USAF satellite lifted off from Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral space center. The launch is the 30th flight of the Atlas V rocket, and the 60th rocket launch managed by the United Launch Alliance corporation. The satellite will provide secure high-frequency communications for the US military.

The Atlas V is under serious study by NASA as a possible carrier for the Boeing CST-100 capsule, and is also scheduled for testing the NASA Orion capsule in 2017 before the SLS system is ready.

Good view of the Atlas V on the pad.

No comments: