Atlas V to Launch SBIRS GEO Flight 3 for the U.S. Air Force

VIDEO PREVIEW of what to expect during tomorrow evening's Atlas 5 launch of next SBIRS early-warning spacecraft
(ULA video) pic.twitter.com/a1qGLDIRNo

— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) 19 de enero de 2017

Rocket/Payload:A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 401 will launch the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) GEO Flight 3 mission for the U.S. Air Force. 

Date/Site/Launch Time:Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The 40-minute launch window opens at 7:42 p.m. EST.

Live Broadcast: Tune in to ULA’s live launch day broadcast beginning at 7:22 p.m. EST.

Launch Notes: SBIRS GEO Flight 3 will be ULA’s first launch of 2017 and the 69th Atlas V mission overall. 

This mission marks the 34th Atlas V mission in the 401 configuration; the two previous SBIRS GEO missions also launched on the Atlas V 401 rocket.

Mission Description: SBIRS, considered one of the nation's highest priority space programs, is designed to provide global, persistent, infrared surveillance capabilities to meet 21st century demands in four national security mission areas including: missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness.

L-minus 5 hours: Preview tonight's #SBIRSGEO3 launch with a look back to SBIRS GEO 2 and its successful deployment 3 years ago
(ULA video) pic.twitter.com/bbnAzX9Jpx

— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) 20 de enero de 2017

L-minus 6 hours: Fly around Complex 41 where the Atlas 5 rocket stands poised to launch #SBIRSGEO3 at 7:42pmEST (0042 GMT)
(ULA video) pic.twitter.com/N2yIckz6rm

— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) 20 de enero de 2017

VIDEO: Range stops tonight's Atlas 5 #SBIRSGEO3 countdown at the end of the launch window due to aircraft in restricted airspace. pic.twitter.com/vJTyK7TBvZ

— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) 20 de enero de 2017