ULA launches Atlas 5 rocket on the company’s 100th national security mission

United Launch Alliance’s Atlas 5 rocket marked its swan song when it comes to launching critical missions connected to U.S. national security. A launch at dawn sent up a classified payload as part of the United States Space Force-51 (USSF-51) mission, marking the 100th such operation for ULA. Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 41 (SLC-41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) happened Tuesday, July 30, 6:45 a.m. EDT (1045 UTC), the opening of a three-hour launch window. ULA had a smooth countdown with no hiccups during the fueling process. More

(Source: SpaceFlight Now - Jul 31)