Atlas 2 launches NRO payload
Posted: Tue, Dec 2, 2003, 11:21 AM ET (1621 GMT)
An Atlas 2AS rocket, performing its final launch from California, placed a secret National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) payload into orbit early Tuesday. The Atlas 2AS lifted off from SLC-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, at 5:02 am EST (1002 GMT). The booster released its payload into a transfer orbit 74 minutes later. No information about the nature of the payload was disclosed, although satellite experts believe the payload was two or three Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS) spacecraft. The satellites are used to track and identify ocean vessels. The launch was the last Atlas 2 mission to be launched from the West Coast: the SLC-3E launch site will now be converted to support Atlas 5 launches starting in 2005.
An Atlas 2AS rocket, performing its final launch from California, placed a secret National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) payload into orbit early Tuesday. The Atlas 2AS lifted off from SLC-3E at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, at 5:02 am EST (1002 GMT). The booster released its payload into a transfer orbit 74 minutes later. No information about the nature of the payload was disclosed, although satellite experts believe the payload was two or three Naval Ocean Surveillance System (NOSS) spacecraft. The satellites are used to track and identify ocean vessels. The launch was the last Atlas 2 mission to be launched from the West Coast: the SLC-3E launch site will now be converted to support Atlas 5 launches starting in 2005.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, July 30
SpaceX looks to compete with the carriers
Semafor — 7:26 am ET (1126 GMT) Rocket Lab To Launch HASTE Missions From Alaska Under USSF Contract
Aviation Week — 7:24 am ET (1124 GMT) Space Force to Launch 18 Comms and Targeting Missions by End of 2027
Air and Space Forces Magazine — 7:23 am ET (1123 GMT) SpaceX Starship Heat Shield Can’t Support Rapid Flights, Experts Say
Bloomberg News — 7:20 am ET (1120 GMT) SpaceX Begins Recovery Of First Flown Starship V3
Aviation Week — 7:18 am ET (1118 GMT) |
