VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. - Team Vandenberg launched a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2) and NASA's Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) from Space Launch Complex-3 here Thursday, Nov. 10, at 1:49 a.m. Pacific Time. Col. Rob Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander, was the launch decision authority.
"Today the Western Range closed another chapter in history that began with the first Atlas vehicle launch from SLC-3 in 1958," said Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander. "Our outstanding Airmen and Guardian professionals continue to showcase flawless execution and teamwork alongside NASA, NOAA and ULA conducting safe launch and range operations to ensure a successful mission."
The advanced JPSS system improves the accuracy and timeliness of numerical weather prediction models to enhance weather forecasting. Surveying the planet twice daily, JPSS-2 will obtain global observations that serve as the backbone of both short- and long-term weather forecasting and climate record-keeping and monitoring.