Atlas V rocket launches with prototype space tug

Recorded by collectSPACE.com — http://www.collectspace.com/ — The Source for Space History and Artifacts. Video courtesy United Launch Alliance (www.ulalaunch.com). Launch information via SPACE.com.

Liftoff occurred at 10:10 p.m. EST (0310 GMT) on March 8 from Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Tucked aboard were a series of six satellites flying under the USAF's Space Test Program 1 (STP-1) mission. Among them, the Orbital Express spacecraft refueling demonstration using two vehicles -- the Autonomous Space Transfer and Robotic Orbiter (ASTRO) designed to service the NextSat vehicle also flying on STP-1.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• rocket
• launch
• Atlas
• STP
• space
• tug

[apollosaturn5]

Who would have thought that an American LV was going to use Soviet era rocket engines? I wonder what would have been Valentin Glushko's impressions.

[darkalligator]

Russian engine

[geocam2]

I'm looking forward to seeing the Ares I and Ares V rockets - now that will be a site!

[omparvatilalita]

I was there too and it was fabulous to see. The ESPA adapter that made this launch possible was made by a Mtn. View, CA company called CSA Engineering. The adapter made the 6 satalite payload possible and the use of the Atlas 5 possible. Go ESPA!

[AbnKate131]

I was lucky enough to witness this one live.  Gotta love that crackle!