ULA Atlas V Rocket Ready To Launch From Cape Canaveral Thursday Night, January 18

By  //  January 17, 2018

Launch window opens at 7:52 p.m. ET

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BREVARD COUNTY • CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Thursday night (Jan. 18) carrying the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS).

The launch window will open at 7:52 p.m. ET. Coverage will begin at 7:32 p.m. ET.

FACTS ABOUT THE LAUNCH

  • Rocket: Atlas V 411
  • Mission: Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO Flight 4
  • Launch Date: Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018
  • Launch Time: The 40-minute launch window opens at 7:52 p.m. EST
  • Live Broadcast: Tune in beginning at 7:32 p.m. EST
  • Launch Location: Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Mission Description: SBIRS, considered one of the nation’s highest priority space programs, is designed to provide global, persistent, infrared surveillance capabilities to meet 21st century demands in four national security mission areas: missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

The SBIRS team is led by the Remote Sensing Systems Directorate at the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor, with Northrop Grumman as the payload integrator.

Air Force Space Command operates the SBIRS system.

Launch Notes: ULA also launched the first three SBIRS GEO missions. SBIRS GEO Flight 4 mission will mark ULA’s 125th mission overall since the company was founded in 2006. It’s also the 75th Atlas V launch since the rocket’s inaugural flight in 2002.

Coverage of the launch can be seen on Space Coast Daily TV.

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