Space.com:

United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched an Atlas V rocket into space today (May 18), marking the first launch of the year for the company.

The two-stage rocket blasted off from Space Launch Complex 41 here at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 1:37 p.m. EDT (1737 GMT), following a 24-hour delay due to an issue with the rocket’s liquid oxygen system. Perched atop the 194-foot-tall (59 meters) launcher is a missile-warning satellite for the U.S. Space Force.

The weather forecast improved to 90% favorable for Tuesday’s launch, with nothing but blue skies over the space coast.

“And liftoff of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the fifth Space-Based Infrared System satellite for the United States Space Force,” said Steve Huff, the launch director and commentator for ULA’s live broadcast of the launch…



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