Best Public Viewing for Today’s Launch of Atlas V Rocket
Exclusive Viewing Options Offered a ‘Front Row Seat’ for the Thunderous Atlas V Launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (May 20, 2015) — KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex guests experienced the thunderous roar and memorable sight of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket that lifted off today from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carrying the U.S. Air Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle on a national defense mission. The rocket launched at 11:05 a.m.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offered the closest public viewing of the launch, with guests at the LC-39 Observation Gantry enjoying this up-close, stunning view. (A high-resolution version is available here.)
The X-37B space plane carried by the Atlas V rocket is designed to launch like a satellite and land like an airplane. In 2012, it broke the record for the longest mission of a reusable space vehicle after a 469-day mission. Air Force Space Command-5 (AFSPC-5) marks the 54th launch of an Atlas V rocket since its first mission in 2002.