45th Space Wing Launches Atlas V Lifting Intelsat-14
By Eric Brian, 34th Space Wing Public Affairs
/ Published November 23, 2009
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. -- The 45th Space Wing launched successfully an Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle carrying the Intelsat-14 commercial communications satellite at 1:55 a.m. (EST) today from Space Launch Complex 41.
The United Launch Alliance-built rocket also hosted a payload for the Internet Router in Space (IRIS) program for the Department of Defense.
"This launch helps to ensure that vital communications will continue to bolster our nation's capabilities and showcases why the 45th Space Wing is the world's premiere gateway to space," said Brig. Gen. Edward L. Bolton Jr., 45th Space Wing commander.
This mission was the 17th flight of an Atlas V rocket from the Cape and the 19th launch overall this year on the Eastern Range.
"I'm thrilled the launch went so well and the mission is a success," said 2nd Lt. Drew Peterson, 5th Space Launch Squadron, who served as Atlas V Mission Lead for the Intelsat-14 satellite.
Lieutenant Peterson was responsible for overseeing the receipt, integration and launch of the $700 million United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the Intelsat satellite.
"I'd like to thank the entire team for this great achievement," he said.
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