We’ve got another awesome Atlas V launch tonight; this time an Atlas 551 configuration, one of the most powerful variations available of the Atlas V with 5 solid rocket boosters, will be launching the fourth satellite in the Advanced Extremely High Frequency series for the U.S. Air Force.
This is a slightly different launch, in that the satellite will actually go slightly different insertion orbit than normal. It’s more complex to explain than is worth it here, not that I could explain it properly, but this doesn’t really change the flight of the Atlas too much as far as we will see – it does, however, show the versatility of the Atlas V.
It’s a night launch currently planned for 12:15 A.M. Eastern Time on October 17th from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station – so basically if this launches when planned it will be tonight.
As always I look forward to it, and will be writing about it as I always do. For now, though, the Mission Profile video. Enjoy!