Third Atlas V Launch This Year

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket successfully launched the PAN satellite at 1735 EDT, Tuesday from Space Launch Complex-41 as a commercial launch service. This launch marks the 10th overall mission for ULA in 2009 and the third Atlas V mission of the year.

Atlas V Launch File Photo

"ULA is proud to have played a critical role in the success of this important mission," said Mark Wilkins, ULA vice president of Atlas programs. "Close teamwork with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force's 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral made today's launch possible."

This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V 401 configuration and used a single common core booster powered by the RD-180 engine and a single engine Centaur upper stage. The launch portion of the mission was completed with spacecraft separation approximately two hours after launch.

Delta II Launch File Photo

ULA's next launch, currently scheduled for no earlier than Sept. 18, is the STSS Demo satellite for the United States Missile Defense Agency aboard a Delta II rocket from Space Launch Complex-17B at Cape Canaveral.

FMI: www.ulalaunch.com