Today, May 18, at launch complex 41 of the Space Force compound at Cape Canaveral, Florida we were treated to the sight of the launch of the ULA (United Launch Aliance) Atlas V 421 rocket. The rocket, carrying the Lockhead Martin built SBIRS 5 (space based infer-red system) satellite and two smaller satellites equipped with the Ez3 and Ez4 flight systems. Lifted-off at 1:37 ET (10:37 PT). The launch was originally scheduled to take place the previous day but was delayed due to weather conditions.
The SBIRS satellite is the 5th installment of an array that will at its completion the array will be comprised of 6 satellites in a geosynchronous orbit over the Indian Ocean. The array will then provide the Space Force with warnings of incoming missiles and other critical information needed for the defense of the United States of America.
“Thank you to our mission partners for the tremendous teamwork as we processed and launched this asset that provides powerful surveillance and critical capabilities to protect our warfighters,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. “We are proud to work with the U.S. Space Force to continue to meet the national security needs of our country.”
The EZ-3 & 4 satellites, that were a secondary payload, will provide critical information for launches and capabilities for warfighters.
This launch marks the 87th time that the ULA has sent an Atlas V into space. Out of those 87 times this is only the 8th Atlas using the 421 configuration. The 421 configuration consist of a 13.7-ft long payload fairings on the centaur upper stage.
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