An Atlas V rocket launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida Saturday, with space officials hoping it will be the next step for upgraded military satellite communications and space vehicle design, Space.com reported.
The rocket contained a geostationary communications satellite known as Continuous Broadcast Augmenting SATCOM, or CBAS, and the experimental ESPA Augmented GEO Laboratory Experiment demonstrator spacecraft, known as EAGLE, per Space.com.
The website said the EAGLE was carrying a number of payloads, including a small satellite called Mycroft, which was created to test self-inspection technology for satellites, according to the Air Force.
The United Launch Alliance, which has shot more than 125 satellites into space, conducted the launch.
"Today's launch is a testament to why the ULA team continually serves as our nation's most reliable and successful launch provider for our nation's most critical space assets," said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of government and commercial programs. "I want to thank the entire ULA team, and the phenomenal teamwork of our mission partners."
ULA shut down its live feed of the Atlas V shortly after the liftoff at the request of the Air Force, Space.com said.
According to ULA, the CBAS will enhance the military's ability to interact with its leaders during operations.
"CBAS is a military satellite communications spacecraft destined for geosynchronous orbit to provide communications relay capabilities to support senior leaders and combatant commanders," the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center said in a statement, per SpaceflightNow.com.
"CBAS will augment existing military satellite communications capabilities and broadcast military data continuously through space-based, satellite communications relay links," the center's statement continued.
The Mycroft is a small satellite built by the Air Force Research Laboratory that is designed to fly away from its mothership to test technologies and techniques for space situational awareness, Space.com wrote. The satellite is expected to remain in orbit for 18 month.
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