Atlas V Launches Classified Satellite

[Someoneforyou]

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Successfully Launches Spacecraft for U.S. Government
UNITED STATES - 15 APRIL 2011

CANOGA PARK, Calif. --- Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne today demonstrated its continued support of national security by helping to boost into orbit a spacecraft for the U.S. government.

The mission was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California by a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V is powered by the RD AMROSS RD-180 booster engine and the Centaur upper stage is powered by the Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RL10 engine.

"Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne is proud to provide the power and propulsion for such an important mission," said Jim Maus, director, expendable propulsion programs, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne. "With nearly a half-century of flight, the RL10 continues to prove itself as the nation's most reliable upper-stage engine. We're pleased to see it continue that legacy."

"RD AMROSS congratulates United Launch Alliance on another successful launch," said Tom Wonnell, president and CEO of RD AMROSS. "We look forward to working together to ensure future successful missions."

The Atlas V Centaur upper stage is powered by a single RL10A4-2 engine that delivers 22,300 pounds of thrust. The Atlas V Common Core booster is powered by the RD-180 engine and delivers nearly 1 million pounds of thrust. The RD-180 is the only liquid oxygen-kerosene fueled engine with an oxygen-rich staged-combustion cycle flying in the United States today.

Source: Pratt & Whitney

 

[Someoneforyou]

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg launched an Atlas V from Space Launch Complex-3 here April 14 at 9:24 p.m. PDT. It was the fourth Atlas V processed at Vandenberg and the 605th overall Atlas mission in U.S. history.

 

[Someoneforyou]

ULA Successfully Launches Fifth NRO Mission in Seven Months
UNITED STATES - 18 APRIL 2011

VANDENBERG AFB, Calif. | A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off from Space Launch Complex-3 here at 9:24 p.m. PDT on April 14th. Designated NROL-34, the mission is in support of national defense.

Yesterday marked the 25th Atlas V rocket launch in program history. The first Atlas V launched in August 2002. Since then, Atlas V has launched a variety of payloads for the military, NASA, and commercial customers, all successfully.

"Yesterday's successful launch of the NROL-34 mission represents a tremendous accomplishment for our national security customer," said Jim Sponnick, ULA vice president, Mission Operations. "Less than two years ago, this integrated team put in place a very challenging plan to launch five EELV/NRO missions in less than seven months. The combined NRO Office of Space Launch, U.S. Air Force Launch & Range, and ULA teams have executed this plan flawlessly, culminating in yesterday's successful launch aboard our 25th Atlas V rocket. With each of these incredibly important launches, we are reminded of the role we play in offering enhanced effectiveness and safety to the men and women protecting our country. Congratulations to the ULA team and our government, mission, and supplier partners for making these five successful NRO missions possible."

This mission was launched by an Atlas V 411 configuration launch vehicle, which uses a single common core booster powered by the RD-180 engine and one solid rocket motor. This was the fourth launch of 2011 for ULA, including two for the NRO and one for the United States Air Force.

ULA's next launch is the Atlas V SBIRS GEO-1 mission currently scheduled for May 6 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.


Source: United Launch Alliance