ULA launches top-secret Space Force payload on Atlas V rocket
The Atlas V lifted off from Launch Complex 41, south of Kennedy Space Center, at 6:45 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, carrying a top-secret payload for the U.S. Space Force.
"Payload fairing jettison is confirmed by Atlas V from the edge of space to expose the spacecraft after ascent through the atmosphere," ULA said in a statement.
ULA added that its coverage of the launch would end there "at the request of our customer."
ULA CEO Tony Bruno, however, posted on social media that the payload had on gone orbital.
It marked the 100th mission by ULA on national security missions and the final national security mission for the Atlas V rocket.
After the launch, ULA will be planning to utilize its Vulcan rocket and concentrate on its second certification flight. The Vulcan will eventually completely replace the Atlas rockets.
"This is a bittersweet moment for us," Col. Jim Horne, senior material leader of the Launch Execution Delta, said. "I've had the privilege of sitting console for the very first national security Atlas launch in 2007 in March of that year and here we are with our last national security Atlas.
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