U.S. launched Atlas V with military satellites

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched an Atlas V rocket with two satellites on Friday for the U.S. Space Force. The launcher lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 2:00 p.m. U.S. East Coast Time.

Satellites GSSAP-5 and GSSAP-6 (Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program) are designed for space-based surveillance in the U.S. Space Force network. Their primary missions are to monitor spacecraft of other countries, including those for the purposes of safe navigation in outer space, orbit forecasting and warning about potentially dangerous situations. Both satellites will be in geostationary orbit at an altitude of about 36,000 km above the equator.