ULA Launches US Air Force AEHF-5 Satellite

ULA launching an Atlas V rocket, carrying an AEHF satellite for the U.S. Air Force. Photo: United Launch Alliance

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched an Atlas V rocket today, carrying AEHF-5 — the fifth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) communications satellite for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The rocket was lifted off at about 6:13 a.m. EDT from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The payload is the fifth communications satellite in the Lockheed Martin-built Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) series for the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center. The AEHF system, developed by Lockheed Martin, provides global, survivable, and protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters, according to the ULA.

“Our highest priority is to safely and reliably deliver national assets,” said Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs.“We are proud to have successfully launched the first four AEHF satellites, and look forward to launching the newest addition to the constellation in support of our nation’s national defense and the warfighter community.”