Atlas V carries USAF communications satellite into orbit

Image 1 of 2

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 rocket successfully carried a military communications satellite into orbit early Wednesday morning from Cape Canaveral, Florida.  

The Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) is a United States Air Force satellite that will provide highly-secure, jam-proof connectivity between U.S. national leadership and deployed forces.

Atlas V rockets successfully launched the first three AEHF satellites in 2010, 2012 and 2013 as the new constellation was formed in geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above Earth.  This is the 131st mission for ULA and the 50th launch for the USAF. It is the 79th for an Atlas V rocket and the 9th in the 551 configuration.