A new military communications satellite that will serve U.S. and allied troops in Iraq and Afghanistan is circling high above Earth today after a spectacular holiday season launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.Forty minutes and 55 seconds after launch, the 6.5-ton spacecraft separated cleanly from the Delta IV Medium rocket that hauled it into orbit.
The spacecraft "is flying on its own," said United Launch Alliance flight commentator Steve Agid said.
"This is another important milestone for our war-fighters and our nation," said Air Force Maj. Mark Hadley, a deputy program manager for the Wideband Global SATCOM project.
The spacecraft is the third in a series that will deliver broadband communications services to U.S. and allied forces in theaters around the world, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
ABOUT THE IMAGE: Click to enlarge the Florida Today image of the Delta IV Medium rocket streaking through the night skies over Florida's Space Coast. Photo credit: Craig Bailey, Florida Today.
2 comments:
Thats Santa's Sleigh....
hey there;; a few of us saw it take off from Squid Lips, What a view! That Was Great. The Frog Men.
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