The Atlas V rocket performed very well during today’s liftoff and climb to orbit, reports Vern Thorp, United Launch Alliance’s program manager for commercial missions.
“It was a beautiful launch,” Thorp said, pointing out that the Atlas booster performed at or slightly above expectations and that actual event times were very close to preflight predictions.
“It looks like we nailed the orbit once again,” he added. “At this time, it looks like a very good orbit insertion.”