News and views from the World's Spaceports.

Posts in category ULA

Delta IV successfully launches WGS-5

May25
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ben Evans
Photo Credit: John Studwell / AmericaSpace

Photo Credit: John Studwell / AmericaSpace

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla — Providing a strong showing for itself, United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV medium rocket thundered off of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37) at the opening of its launch window at 8:27 p.m. EDT Friday, May 24. In so doing, it returned the launch vehicle to service after an issue cropped up during the Delta IV’s previous launch. Unique angles, incredible imagery, and an epic return to flight were all part of a day’s work. READ MORE »

Posted in Cape Canaveral AFS, Delta IV, WGS

Atlas V Stands Ready to Launch GPS IIF-4 Satellite

May14
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ben Evans
Wednesday's launch of GPS IIF-4 will follow hard on the heels of the successful Atlas V 401 flight of SBIRS GEO-2 in March. Photo Credit: Julian Leek / Blue Sawtooth Studios

Wednesday’s launch of GPS IIF-4 will follow hard on the heels of the successful Atlas V 401 flight of SBIRS GEO-2 in March. Photo Credit: Julian Leek / Blue Sawtooth Studio

United Launch Alliance’s venerable Atlas V booster is set to roar aloft on 15 May on a mission to place the Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF-4 satellite into medium orbit, more than 11,000 miles above Earth. The new mission will keep the Navstar network of worldwide positioning, velocity and timing assets fully operational until the next-generation GPS Block IIIA comes online, sometime in 2014.

Liftoff of the Atlas V – which will fly in its “401” configuration, with a 4-meter-wide (13-foot) payload fairing, no strap-on rocket boosters and a single-engine Centaur upper stage – is scheduled to occur within a short “window”, extending from 5:38-5:56 p.m. EDT on Wednesday. Notably, this will be the first GPS launch aboard an Atlas in almost 28 years.

READ MORE »

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Atlas V carrying the SBIRS GEO-2 Satellite launches successfully

Mar20
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
The U.S. Air Force's second Space-Based Infrared System destined for Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO-2) roars away from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 5:21 p.m. EST, 19 March 2013. Photo Credit: Julian Leek / Blue Sawtooth Studios

The U.S. Air Force’s second Space-Based Infrared System destined for Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS GEO-2) roars away from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., at 5:21 p.m. EST, 19 March 2013. Photo Credit: Julian Leek / Blue Sawtooth Studios

The Pentagon’s goal of having an advanced network of infrared missile and early-warning satellites, fully operational in geosynchronous orbit, more than 22,000 miles above our heads, drew a step closer to reality this evening, with the spectacular liftoff of United Launch Alliance’s workhorse Atlas V 401 at 5:21 p.m. EDT. The mission was staged from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and occurred precisely on time at the start of a 40-minute “window.” Aboard the Atlas was SBIRS GEO-2, the second member of the multi-billion-dollar Space-Based Infrared System to be destined for Geosynchronous Earth Orbit.

According to the Pentagon and SBIRS’ prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, the system represents the latest effort to replace the outdated Defense Support Program (DSP) of infrared early-warning satellites, whose ancestry stretches back to the early 1970s. It is confidently expected that SBIRS will enable the United States’ space surveillance needs for at least the next two decades, with specific focuses including advanced early warning, missile defense, and battlespace characterization. In its final form, it will comprise at least four satellites in geosynchronous orbit, together with sensors hosted aboard two others in highly-elliptical orbits (HEO-1 and 2)—which were launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., in June 2006 and March 2008—and an expansive ground-based command, control, and data-processing network. Following numerous delays, caused by software malfunctions and other hardware deficiencies, the first dedicated Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO-1) SBIRS was successfully lofted from Cape Canaveral, atop an Atlas V 401, in May 2011.

READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, GEO-2, Kennedy Space Center - Tagged , , , , , , ,

Atlas V with SBIRS GEO-2 stands on Launch Pad ready for tomorrow

Mar18
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
SBIRS GEO-2 Hard Down on Launch Pad (Credit Alan Walters AmericaSpace.com)

SBIRS GEO-2 Hard Down on Launch Pad (Credit Alan Walters AmericaSpace.com)

The Atlas V booster with the Centaur second stage and SBRIS GEO-2 spacecraft stack made its way to the launch pad. The rollout from the Vertical Integration Facility took about 30 minutes. The first 75 yards or so was quite slow as the stack has to exit the VIF and then negotiate a crossing on the tracks leading to the launch pad.

The first motion was at 9:58am EDT. The path to the launch pad has twin tracks with locomotives powering the rocket on it’s slow trip. The train also provides mobile services to the rocket to keep it’s systems up and running during the transit.

As the Mobile Launch Platform approaches launch pad 41 it has to climb a slight gradient. The platform has a levelling device to ensure that the rocket is always upright even when travelling uphill. The Atlas V slowed down once again as it approached the launch pad. The next task is what is known as Hard Down. This is when the Mobile Launch Platform is secured and all the services are switched from the support carriages to the Launch Pad infrastructure. When that is complete the service vehicles will be rolled away and the final preparations for tomorrows launch will commence.

More images follow: READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, GEO-2, Kennedy Space Center

Planing to watch the Atlas V Launch on Tuesday check out the best viewpoints

Mar15
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Jason Rhian
Atlas V launch viewed from Playalinda beach in 2007

Atlas V launch viewed from Playalinda beach in 2007

If you are contemplating going out to view the Atlas V launch of the SBIRS satellite on Monday then by far the best place off Cape Canaveral AFS property is going to be Playalinda Beach.  This will give you an unobstructed view of the launch pad from a distance of about 5 miles.  The beach closes at dusk so there will not be a problem as dusk today is well after the launch window closes but do check before setting up.

To get to the viewing point you will need to cross Max Brewer Bridge and go all the way down the road, past the KSC northern gate, to the beach.  You will have to turn north for a way until you reach the first parking lot.

Park up and then cross the sand dunes to the beach.  Head south on the beach for about 3/4 of a mile until you reach a fence.  This is the NASA KSC boundary line and the closest you can get to the launch pad.

Looking south you will see LC-39B almost demolished, then LC-39A and the next pad round is LC-41 which is where the Atlas will launch from.

A detailed map of the beach can be found here.  The parking lots are the white rectangles and the viewpoint for the Atlas V launch can just be made out by following SR-402 out to the ocean.

Other viewing spots follow:

READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, GEO-2, Kennedy Space Center - Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

ULA to host its first Tweetup for Atlas V SBRIS GEO-2 launch

Mar15
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Jason Rhian
United Launch Alliance will host its first "Tweetup" during the Mar. 19 launch of the Atlas V 401 rocket with the SBIRS 2 (GEO-2) satellite. Photo Credit: Alan Walters / awaltersphoto.com

United Launch Alliance will host its first “Tweetup” during the Mar. 19 launch of the Atlas V 401 rocket with the SBIRS 2 (GEO-2) satellite. Photo Credit: Alan Walters / awaltersphoto.com

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla – United Launch Alliance is getting ready to follow in the footsteps of NASA in that the Colorado-based company is getting set to hold its own version of the NASA “social” which has proven so popular in recent years. Until recently, only NASA-related missions had socials. Now, space enthusiasts can carry the citizen-journalist trend into the launch of non NASA launches such as the scheduled Mar. 19 launch of the Space Based Infrared System 2 (SBIRS-2) satellite atop an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 41 located in Florida.

NASA held its first “Tweetup” in 2009. Since that term the scope of these events has expanded and events have now been called “Socials.” Space enthusiasts have been invited to see the successful beginning of the agency’s commercial crew efforts with the launch  of SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station, the liftoff of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover Curiosity and numerous other pivotal events. READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, GEO-2, Kennedy Space Center - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Atlas V with SBIRS GEO-2 satellite ready for Launch

Mar15
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ben Evans
The SBIRS GEO-2 spacecraft arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., in January 2013. Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force

The SBIRS GEO-2 spacecraft arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., in January 2013. Photo Credit: U.S. Air Force

A new set of powerful infrared eyes should take up residency in orbit, more than 22,000 miles above our heads, in less than a week’s time, when the Pentagon launches the next member of its multi-billion-dollar Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS). Liftoff of the GEO-2 mission – the second satellite of its generation destined for Geosynchronous Earth Orbit – is currently scheduled to take place from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., atop United Launch Alliance’s venerable Atlas V 401 booster at the start of a 40-minute ‘window’, which opens at 5:21 p.m. EDT on 19 March. Processing for the impending mission continues to go well and the SBIRS GEO-2 satellite was encapsulated in its two-piece payload fairing on 4 March, ahead of stacking atop the Atlas.

According to the Pentagon and SBIRS’ prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, the system represents the latest effort to replace the outdated Defense Support Program (DSP) network of infrared missile early-warning satellites, whose ancestry stretches back to the early 1970s. It is confidently expected that SBIRS will enable the United States’ space surveillance needs for at least the next two decades, with specific focuses including advanced early warning, missile defense and battlespace characterization. In its final form, it will comprise at least four satellites in geosynchronous orbit, together with sensors aboard two others in highly-elliptical orbits (HEO-1 and 2) – which were launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., in June 2006 and March 2008 – and an expansive ground-based command, control and data-processing network. Following numerous delays, caused by software malfunctions and other hardware deficiencies, the first dedicated Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO-1) SBIRS was successfully lofted from Cape Canaveral, atop an Atlas V 401, in May 2011. READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, GEO-2, Kennedy Space Center, Space - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Atlas V Landsat LDCM satellite launch video

Feb11
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Mike

Video credit : NASA

This is the edited NASA video from todays Atlas V rocket launch from Vandenberg AFB in California.  The Atlas rocket carried the latest Landsat satellite LDCM into a polar orbit.

Posted in Atlas V, Landsat, Vandenberg AFS, Video - Tagged , , , , , , ,

NASA Successfully launch LDCM satellite on Atlas V

Feb11
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Ben Evans
Atlas V LCDM Launch (Credit NASA)

Atlas V LCDM Launch (Credit NASA)

A new Earth-watching sentinel is presently circling the globe in near-polar orbit, following today’s beautiful launch of the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The spacecraft – which represents the eighth in a series of satellites, dating back to July 1972 – was successfully boosted aloft by United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket at 10:02 am PST (1:02 pm EST), right on the opening of the 48-minute ‘window’. Liftoff occurred from Vandenberg’s Space Launch Complex (SLC)-3, under clear skies, and was watched by NASA Administrator Charlie Bolden and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

The launch kicks off a planned five-year mission which will provide moderate-resolution imaging of the Home Planet’s terrestrial and polar regions at visible and infrared wavelengths. This is expected to support future land planning, disaster response and water-use monitoring, together with maintaining a watchful eye on Earth’s climate, ecosystems, water cycle, surface and interior dynamics. The LDCM spacecraft is part of a collaborative effort between NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey. According to Project Scientist Jim Irons of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., it is quite simply “the best Landsat satellite yet launched in terms of quality and quantity of data”.

READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Landsat, Vandenberg AFS - Tagged , , , , , ,

Atlas V to launch NASAs Landsat Satellite from Vandenberg AFB today

Feb11
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
Atlas V Landsat Mission (Credit ULA)

Atlas V Landsat Mission (Credit ULA)

An Atlas V rocket stands proud on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 3 (SLC-3) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.  The launch is planned for 10:02 PST (18:02 GMT) with a launch window extending to 10:50 PST.

The Atlas V is in the 401 configuration with a 4 meter payload fairing, no solid rocket boosters, and a single Centaur upper stage.  Sitting at the top of the stack is the NASA Landsat satellite, a spacecraft designed to monitor the environmental characteristics of fragile areas of the planet, along with providing valuable planning data for future land developments and conservation.

Vandenberg Air Force Base is used when spacecraft are inserted into polar orbits, as opposed to Cape Canaveral which is used for equatorial orbits.  The launch complex at VAFB is subtly different to the Cape Canaveral Atlas V facility.  Here there rocket is encased in a mobile service tower that is rolled back from the launch pad rather than the rocket being rolled out to the pad.

READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Landsat, Vandenberg AFS - Tagged , , , , , , ,

Atlas V with NASAs TDRS-K satellite launch video

Feb02
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Mike

The NASA TDRS-K Satellite was launched on the 31st January from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Atlas V rocket lifted the satellite into orbit in a perfect center range flight. Once the main booster was expended the final push to orbit was executed by the Centaur second stage engine.

Our video covers launch to main engine cut-off. If you watch carefully after the MECO you will see the retro jets fire separating the Atlas V booster from the TDRS-K satellite and Centaur second stage.

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, Kennedy Space Center, TDRS - Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

NASAs TDRS-K Satellite is on the pad on top of an Atlas V rocket ready for launch

Jan30
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Mike

In preparation for tomorrows launch the Atlas V rocket carrying the NASA TDRS-K communications satellite was moved from the Vertical Integration Facility on a short 1,500 foot ride to the launch pad.  The entire trip took about 30 minutes with the mobile launch platform now connected to external electrical and fuel supply lines in a process known as Hard Down.

There were no issues being worked and the rocket is on schedule for an 8:48pm EST launch. Currently the prediction for favourable weather during the launch window has dropped from 70% to 60%. The main concern seems to be ground winds.

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, Kennedy Space Center, TDRS - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

The best places to watch the NASA Atlas V TDRS launch from

Jan28
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
NASA to launch TDRS-K Satellite atop an Atlas V rocket.

NASA to launch TDRS-K Satellite atop an Atlas V rocket.

If you are planning to view the Atlas V launch of NASA’s TDRS-K Atlas V spacecraft on Wednesday then by far the best place off Cape Canaveral AFS property is going to be on SR-401 behind Port Canaveral cruise docks where the launch complex is just over 11 miles away.  There may be a few issues with buildings blocking the view of the pad from there, but a good view should be available if you move around a bit.  The Xenon spotlights will guide you to the launch pad.

Failing that then the Max Brewer Bridge can offer a good view of the launch from the top of Titusville.  It is 13 miles from the launch pad so the sound of the launch will not be great, but with the elevation you should be able to see the pad and get a great view of the launch.  The pad should be lit up with Xenon spotlights, but if you look about half way between the VAB and LC-39A you should be able to see the LC-39 viewing platform and just to the left of that but further back is LC-41.

Normally the best place to watch an Atlas V launch is on Playalinda Beach but that will be shut as it is a night launch.

READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, Kennedy Space Center, TDRS - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

NASA Prepares to launch an Atlas V rocket on Wednesday

Jan28
2013 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
NASA to launch TDRS-K Satellite atop an Atlas V rocket.

NASA to launch TDRS-K Satellite atop an Atlas V rocket.

NASA are preparing to launch a communications satellite on top of an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 41 on Wednesday.  The launch is scheduled for 8:48 EST (01:48 GMT Thursday) with a launch window of 40 minutes. The spacecraft, designated TDRS-K, is the 11th revision of a Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (though not all 11 made it into service).

Currently the forecast for the launch window is favourable, with a 70% chance of good conditions.  The primary concerns for violating the launch constraints are Cumulus Cloud, Disturbed Weather and High Ground Winds.

The TDRS-K spacecraft is the first of a constellation of 3 satellites providing tracking, telemetry, and high bandwidth data communications for NASA’s space craft in Low Earth Orbit.  In particular it will provide continual communications facilities to the ISS, tracking spacecraft, and the Hubble Telescope amongst others. The data feeds are transmitted to the ground stations in White Sands, New Mexico, and to Guam.  These are then distributed to the appropriate agency.     READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, Kennedy Space Center, TDRS - Tagged , , , , , , ,

Super Slow Motion video of the Atlas V OTV-3 launch

Dec12
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Mike

This video shows the power of the new GoPro Hero 3 Black with the 720p120 mode. We recorded the Atlas V launch at 120 frame rate then conformed the video to 720p30 instantly getting 1/4 speed with no loss of information. This was not quite slow enough for us so we cut the speed by 50% giving us 1/8th real time.

The quality of the video is stunning and you can clearly see the deluge of the water system, followed by the green coloured sparks of the ignition. With the rocket engine ignited the exhaust spews out of the flame trench, before the rocket is finally released and starts to climb into the sky.

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, OTV-3, Video - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Launch Video of Atlas V with X-37B Space Plane on mission OTV-3

Dec12
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Mike

Yesterdays Atlas V launch went like a dream.  For the first time in a while we had just about perfect conditions for a launch and our video cameras managed to record some great footage.

The Video below shows the launch from the viewpoints of our GoPro cameras.  For the first time we are using the new GoPro Hero 3 which gives not only great colours and contrast, but also lossless slow motion.

The second part of the video shows the Atlas V launch at 1/4 speed.  Here you can quite clearly see the sequence of events leading up to the launch.

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, OTV-3, Video - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Atlas V carrying OTV-3 secret Space Plane launches successfully

Dec11
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
Launch of Atlas V OTV3 from Cape Canaveral AFS, FL. (Credit Pat Corkery)

Launch of Atlas V OTV3 from Cape Canaveral AFS, FL. (Credit Pat Corkery)

Today saw the successful launch of an Atlas V with the X-37B space plane payload on mission OTV-3. The Atlas V roared into life bang on the opening of the first window of opportunity to launch today. It was a text-book launch after a number of scheduling delays.

The launch was dogged by pre-flight issues none of which were specifically related to the craft itself. First there was the problem with a previous Delta IV launch that uses common components. An investigation into the cause of the Delta IV problem ruled out any possibility of a recurrence on the Atlas V clearing the way for todays launch.

As the launch date approached there were some serious concerns about the weather coming in to play and even 2 hours before the launch window opened the weather officer was only predicting a 30% chance of favourable conditions. As things played out the weather cleared and the weather never went red.

Continue reading for the full launch report… READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, OTV-3 - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

The best places to watch the Atlas V OTV-3 rocket launch from

Dec11
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
Atlas V launch viewed from Playalinda beach in 2007

Atlas V launch viewed from Playalinda beach in 2007

If you are contemplating going out to view the Atlas V launch of the OTV-3 space plane today then by far the best place off Cape Canaveral AFS property is going to be Playalinda Beach.  This will give you an unobstructed view of the launch pad from a distance of about 5 miles.  The beach closes at dusk so there will not be a problem as dusk today is well after the launch window closes but do check before setting up.

To get to the viewing point you will need to cross Max Brewer Bridge and go all the way down the road, past the KSC northern gate, to the beach.  You will have to turn north for a way until you reach the first parking lot.

Park up and then cross the sand dunes to the beach.  Head south on the beach for about 3/4 of a mile until you reach a fence.  This is the NASA KSC boundary line and the closest you can get to the launch pad.

Looking south you will see LC-39B almost demolished, then LC-39A and the next pad round is LC-41 which is where the Atlas will launch from.

A detailed map of the beach can be found here.  The parking lots are the white rectangles and the viewpoint for the Atlas V launch can just be made out by following SR-402 out to the ocean.

However with inclement weather predicted there is no shelter on the beach so it may be best to select one of the alternate viewing sites.  These are both accessible with no walking so you can stay in your car right up until launch.

Other viewing spots follow:

READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, OTV-3 - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Atlas V with OTV-3 X-37B space plane on pad for launch today

Dec11
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
Atlas V OTV-3 payload fairing detail

Atlas V OTV-3 payload fairing detail

The Atlas 5 with the secret space plane payload X-37B for mission OTV 3 is now sitting on top of launch pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station ready for launch.

The rocket was rolled out to the launch pad on top of the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) yesterday followed by an entourage of supporting vehicles providing temporary systems support until the rocket was locked in place at the launch site and hooked up to the services on the pad (known as Hard Down). The service vehicles then retreated leaving the Atlas V sitting on the launch pad going through a series of procedural system checks prior to the planned launch today.

Currently the weather is not looking too good. The weather officer is predicting a 70% chance of conditions preventing the launch. This is because a front is moving through Central Florida at the moment. The front is only moving slowly so the odd of launching on Wednesday remain the same.

However on the brighter side of things there is a 5 hour window for the launch starting at 1:03pm EST and extending to 6:30pm (18:03 to 23:03 GMT). This means that should a hole in the weather open up there should be plenty of opportunity to capitalise on it and get the launch in.

Yesterday we were on the launch pad setting up our remote cameras and took the opportunity to grab a few pictures of the Atlas V and OTV 3 on the pad.

Continue to see our launch pad photo gallery… READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, OTV-3 - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Atlas V carrying secret space plane to launch December 11th

Dec10
2012 Leave a Comment Written by Mike
OTV-3 mission badge (Credit ULA)

OTV-3 mission badge (Credit ULA)

The next rocket launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is scheduled to take place tomorrow, 11th December, at 1:03 EST (18:03 GMT).  The Atlas V rocket will be launching the USAF secret space plane into orbit for the third mission: OTV-3 from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41).

The projected weather conditions suggest that there is only a 30% chance of launching with lightning, cumulus cloud, disturbed weather, and thick cloud all being concerns for violation.

The launch window is quite long tomorrow opening at 1:03pm EST it extends 5 hours until 6:03pm.  Hopefully within that time span there will be a window of opportunity for the weather to clear and the mission to get underway.

The launch has been dogged with delays mainly due to the problems encountered on the last Delta IV mission.   The reduced engine performance of the Delta Rocket affected the Atlas as they use common components. Originally slated to launch in October this date has slipped a few times awaiting the results of the Delta IV investigation.  The ULA investigation into the anomaly states “Although the investigation into the flight data anomaly continues, all credible crossover implications from the Delta anomaly for the OTV-3 Atlas vehicle and engine system have been thoroughly addressed and mitigated, culminating in the flight clearance decision for the OTV-3 launch”. This gave the green light to mission planners to schedule the Atlas V for launch.

Continue reading for the mission profile and images…  READ MORE »

Posted in Atlas V, Cape Canaveral AFS, OTV-3, Space - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
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