Atlas V Sends Cygnus Spacecraft to ISS

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V successfully shot Orbital ATK’s Cygnus, with more than 7,600 pounds of supplies and working experiments, to the International Space Station on Tuesday. Airmen with USAF’s 45th Space Wing supported the mission. “This mission once again clearly demonstrates the successful collaboration we have with our mission partners at NASA and ULA as we continue to shape the future of America’s space operations…,” Brig Gen. Wayne Monteith, the wing commander and launch decision authority, told the Space Coast Daily. The 11:11 a.m. launch took place at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., and will allow for “dozens of new scientific investigations,” according to NASA, including the study of cancer drugs, crystal growth research, and reentry research. The launch was also broadcast live on YouT?ube in 3D, a first ever for a rocket launch, according to NASA. The spacecraft was named after John Glenn, honoring the life and achievements of one of NASA’s original seven astronauts and former senator. Glenn passed away on Dec. 8, 2016. The mission is the seventh cargo delivery by Orbital ATK for NASA.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org