Team Vandenberg is scheduled to launch
an Atlas IIAS rocket from Space Launch Complex 3 Saturday at 8:24 a.m.
The payload is a satellite designed and built by the National Reconnaissance
Office. The NRO will operate the spacecraft once it is in orbit.
The launch vehicle is 156 feet high. The payload fairing has a diameter of
14 feet. The Atlas booster has been in use for more than 25 years and
remains a key part of the U.S. space program.
This will be the first launch this year of an Atlas IIAS rocket from
Vandenberg. It will also be Vandenberg’s first space launch of the year.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Members of the media who want to view this launch should
call Staff Sgt. Rebecca Bonilla at (805) 606-3595 and plan to arrive at the
Main Gate Visitor’s Center no later than 7:30 a.m., Sept. 8.
Photographers who want to set up remote cameras for this launch should call
Staff Sgt. Bonilla and plan to arrive at Vandenberg’s south base gate at
1:30 p.m. Sept. 7.
General information and a live webcast of the launch will be available at
www.ilslaunch.com. Launch status updates will be available by calling (800)
852-4980.
Beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, a live broadcast of the launch will be
available at C-band Galaxy 3, transponder 9, orbital position 95, downlink
3880 megahertz.
