MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — United Launch Alliance successfully launched its Atlas V rocket Friday afternoon during its first mission of the year.
The launch is part of a national security mission for the U.S. Space Force.
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It was also the second launch from Florida’s Space Coast this week.
ULA launched a pair of satellites that will provide more accurate tracking of human-made objects in space.
“I thought it was really cool seeing,” said launch spectator Valentina Perdomo. “We could see it go up for a long time. I didn’t think we’d be able to hear it, but it was cool being able to hear it. I liked it.”
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The USSF-8 mission launch will support national security by enhancing space flight safety, including satellite collision avoidance.
The next Space Coast launch is already on the calendar. SpaceX plans a launch for the Italian Space Agency next Thursday.
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See more in the video above.
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