US Space Force missile-warning satellite rockets into orbit
Written by Copernical Team Tuesday, 18 May 2021 18:58-
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A $1 billion missile-warning satellite for the U.S. Space Force rocketed toward orbit Tuesday.
It was the fifth in this series of space-based infrared system satellites. These advanced national security spacecraft are meant to replace the long-time Defense Support Program constellation of surveillance satellites.
United Launch Alliance sent the Atlas V rocket skyward from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. "Bird away," ULA President Tory Bruno announced via Twitter.
The flight was delayed a day by a bad temperature sensor in ground equipment.
Lockheed Martin won a $1.86 billion contract for this satellite and the next one, due to launch next year. They're intended for an orbit 22,300 miles (36,000 kilometers) high.
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Citation: US Space Force missile-warning satellite rockets into orbit (2021, May 18) retrieved 18 May 2021 from https://phys.org/news/2021-05-space-missile-warning-satellite-rockets-orbit.html
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