[Launch Alert] California and New Mexico Launches

[Launch Alert]

The following is a Vandenberg AFB news release.


Sept. 13, 2012

Vandenberg's 5th Atlas V lifts off

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg launched a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-3 here Sept. 13 at 2:39 p.m.

It was the fifth Atlas V processed at Vandenberg and the 606th Atlas mission in U.S. history.

"It's an honor to work alongside the men and women of Team Vandenberg, United Launch Alliance, the National Reconnaissance Office and our mission partners," said Col. Nina Armagno, 30th Space Wing commander. "These synergistic relationships are what guide Vandenberg to continual mission success and lead us into the next generation of spaceport excellence."

Western range launch operations were executed without incident.

The rocket carried a national security payload for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Vandenberg's next launch is a Minuteman III scheduled for Nov. 14.

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The following is a White Sands Missile Range news release.


White Sands Missile Range, N.M., Sept., 13 2012-    

Test Contrail visible throughout Western United States

White Sands Missile Range conducted a missile test today producing a
contrail visible from as far away as  Phoenix, Az., Las Vegas, Nev. , and
Salt Lake City, Utah.

The test of the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 or PAC-3 missile was conducted
using a Juno missile as a target. The Juno was launched from Fort Wingate
near Gallup N.M., and flew to White Sands Missile Range to be intercepted by
the PAC-3.

The sunlight lit up the contrail from the Juno creating a light show.  The
Juno performed as expected. This was the 14th time a large ballistic target
missile has been fired from Fort Wingate since 1998. The contrail has not
always been visible from so far away depending upon the time of day and
atmospheric conditions.

Range personnel coordinated the test with FAA and other authorities to
ensure that the test was conducted safely. The White Sands work force is
experienced in conducting complex missile testing.

White Sands Missile Range is member of the Army Test and Evaluation Command
and is a premiere test location for the Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as
foreign and civilian customers.