ULA is launching the first satellite for the U.S. Space Force

Photo: ULA

United Launch Alliance is ready to launch the first National Security Space Mission for the newly rebranded, United States Space Force.

The AEHF 6 satellite is developed by Lockheed Martin and provides improved global, survivable, and protected communications for strategic command and tactical warfighters.

At 2:57pm EDT, ULA is launching their largest Atlas V variant, the 551. This rocket has a large 5 meter fairing and 5 Solid Rocket Boosters strapped to the sides of the first stage. The Atlas V is launching from SLC-41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Due to the recent pandemic, a lot of launch viewing locations have been closed to public access and media has limited amount of people at the viewing areas.