Two launches bookend August 4th on Cape Canaveral
SBIRS GEO-6
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. On August 4, 2022, a United Launch Alliance (U.L.A.) Atlas V 421 configuration lifted off from Launch Complex 41 at 6:29 AM EDT just minutes before sunrise. The U.L.A. rocket carried into orbit the Space Based Infrared System-6 (SBIRS GEO 6) mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command.
This mission features the sixth and final SBIRS missile detection and early warning satellite for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command. What a sight it was to see the Atlas V head to orbit with the rising sun illuminating the rocket and its plume cloud and creating a “jellyfish” as it flew down range.
In a statement from U.L.A. about today’s Atlas V launch: "Thank you to our U.S. Space Force and industry partners for their outstanding teamwork in successfully delivering the sixth and final SBIRS satellite to orbit," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs. "We are proud of our role in supporting the war fighter by launching the entire SBIRS satellite constellation, a critical constellation of missile warning satellites that expands the U.S. military’s situational awareness on the battlefield and beyond.”
“This launch marked ULA’s 95th U.S. National Space Security launch,” added Wentz. “As the Air Force is gearing up to celebrate its 75th anniversary, we are honored to have been entrusted to deliver the vast majority of our nation’s critical assets to orbit. Our customer’s missions are vital to ensuring the safety of our women and men in harm’s way serving our country.” United Launch Alliance has been the launch provider for all six of the SBIRS GEO missions.
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