T-0:00:02.7 |
Engine Start |
The Russian-designed RD-180 main engine is ignited and undergoes checkout prior to launch. |
|
T+0:00:01.1 |
Liftoff |
The Atlas 5 vehicle, designated AV-012, lifts off and begins a vertical rise away from Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. |
|
T+0:03:39 |
Nose Cone Jettison |
The payload fairing that protected the X-37B spacecraft during launch is separated once heating levels drop to predetermined limits. |
|
T+0:03:39 |
Nose Cone Jettison |
The payload fairing that protected the X-37B spacecraft during launch is separated once heating levels drop to predetermined limits. |
|
T+0:03:44 |
Forward Load Reactor Jettison |
The Forward Load Reactor deck that supported the payload fairing's structure to Centaur upper stage is released five seconds after the shroud's jettison. |
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T+0:04:24 |
Main Engine Cutoff |
The first stage's RD-180 engine shuts down after completing its burn during the Atlas 5 launch. |
|
T+0:04:30 |
Stage Separation |
The Common Core Booster first stage of the Atlas 5 rocket separates from the Centaur upper stage. Over the next few seconds, the Centaur engine liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen systems are readied for ignition. |
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T+0:04:40 |
Centaur Ignition 1 |
The Centaur RL10 engine ignites for its first burn of the mission. |
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T+0:17:18 |
Centaur Cutoff 1 |
The Centaur engine shuts down following its first burn. The launch will enter a news blackout following this milestone. Any subsequent Centaur burns, along with spacecraft separation, will occur in secret. |