Skip to main content

ULA launches their first Atlas V rocket of the year for the US Space Force [Gallery]

On Tuesday United Launch Alliance launch their first Atlas V rocket of the year. This mission carried with it a missile detection satellite called SBIRS GEO 5 for the United States Space Force.

The countdown for this launch wasn’t as smooth as ULA’s last launch. Including an issue with a faulty sensor on the first day that led to a scrub. ULA is a picky launch provider, if they don’t see everything perfect they will not fly the rocket. One of the reasons their rockets have such a good success rate.

On the second day, the countdown went by smoothly, with one minor issue with the fueling on the first stage that was resolved. The count hit 0 and the Atlas V lifted off from SLC-41 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Center. This mission carried the newest missile detection satellite for the Space Force that will be used to protect soldiers in combat.

Atlas V SBIRS Liftoff!

Atlas V in flight, MAX-Q, and SRB jettison

Atlas V launch videos and gifs

Want to help support Space Explored?

Shop on Amazon to support Space Explored writers.

Directly support Seth by becoming a member of their Patreon.

Enjoy reading Space Explored?

Help others find us by following on Apple News and Google News. Be sure to check us out on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, join our Discord!

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Comments

Author

Avatar for Seth Kurkowski Seth Kurkowski

Seth Kurkowski covers launches and general space news for Space Explored. He has been following launches from Florida since 2018.