United Launch Alliance (ULA) has launched an Atlas V containing the third Advanced Extremely High-Frequency communications satellite (AEHF-3) for the US Air Force.
The launch, which marks the 40th for the Atlas V launch system, was declared a success by ULA.
The Atlas V flew in 531 configuration, meaning it had a five-meter payload fairing, three solid rocket boosters to assist the first stage and a single Aerojet Rocketdyne RL-10 engine in the Centaur upper stage.
In addition to the three AEHF satellites in orbit, three more are in some form of construction. The next is due for launch in 2017.
Source: Flight International