Another United States military payload launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base this morning – NROL-42. What is it? A classified reconnaissance satellite. What launched it? An Atlas V booster – in this case, the Atlas 541 configuration using 4 solid rocket motors.
Why am I typing this post like this? Because there isn’t much to say about this. It was another successful launch of the Atlas V, and by all reports delivered its payload successfully into the desired polar orbit.
The launch was delayed a few days due to a battery on the first stage needing to be replaced – there was also a minor hold this morning, but about 10 minutes later things were back to normal and the vehicle launched without any issues.
Don’t have much else to say about this one, other than with it being a night launch we were treated to some amazing views of the plume expansion. Below is just the actual launch livestream – the launch highlights clip deserves its own article.
Enjoy