CAPE CANAVERAL, AFS - A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket successfully launched the top-secret PAN satellite at 5:35 p.m. EDT, today from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral. The Atlas V rocket carried a U.S. government communications satellite into space on the 10th overall mission for ULA in 2009 and the third Atlas V mission of the year.
FREE VIDEO: ATLAS 5 PAN MISSION HIGHLIGHTS FREE VIDEO: ATLAS 5 LIFTS OFF WITH PAN FREE VIDEO: OUR VIDEO OF LAUNCH FROM KSC PRESS SITE ALL-ACCESS SUBSCRIBERS: WATCH REPLAY OF ATLAS LAUNCH WEBCAST - PART 1 ALL-ACCESS SUBSCRIBERS: WATCH REPLAY OF ATLAS LAUNCH WEBCAST - PART 2 "ULA is proud to have played a critical role in the success of this important mission," said Mark Wilkins, ULA vice president of Atlas programs. "Close teamwork with Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force’s 45th Space Wing at Cape Canaveral made today’s launch possible." This mission was launched aboard an Atlas V 401 configuration and used a single common core booster powered by the RD-180 engine and a single engine Centaur upper stage. The launch portion of the mission was completed with spacecraft separation approximately two hours after launch. "This launch helps to ensure that vital communications will continue to bolster our nation's capabilities and showcases why the 45th Space Wing is the world's premiere gateway to space," said Brig. Gen. Edward L. Bolton, Jr., 45th Space Wing commander. "The 45th Space Wing is in the midst of a very busy launch season and during our Operational Readiness Inspection. We are looking forward to many more successful missions before the year's end," General Bolton said. "This is perhaps the cleanest countdown we've seen this year." "This launch was an outstanding achievement for the entire Atlas team," said Staff Sgt. Brad Tavares, Atlas V Mission Assurance Technician. "It makes me extremely proud to be a part of the success of this mission and I look forward to providing continued mission assurance for all future launches." The next launch from the Cape is the STSS Demo satellite for the United States Missile Defense Agency aboard a Delta II rocket from Space Launch Complex-17B here. Launch is currently targeted for no earlier than September 18. (The Spacearium / Space Media Corporation) 
Launch photo credit: Part Corkery / United Launch Alliance
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