Atlas V lifts from Cape

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO Flight 3 satellite lifted off Jan. 20 from here at Space Launch Complex-41 at 6:42 p.m. CT. SBIRS GEO Flight 3 is considered one of the nation’s highest priority space programs. The mission was launched aboard an Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle 401 configuration vehicle, which includes a 4-meter diameter large payload fairing. The Atlas V booster propulsion for this mission was powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 engine, and the Centaur upper stage was powered by the Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C engine. (Source: United Launch Alliance 01/20/17) Mississippi Note: Orbital ATK’s Large Composite Structures Center of Excellence in Iuka, Miss., manufactures large composite aerospace structures for the ULA Atlas V and Delta IV launch vehicles.