Snapshots from Atlas 5 launch

Launching the U.S. Navy’s fifth MUOS mobile communications satellite, a United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket thundered away from Cape Canaveral today.

The Cargo Dragon spacecraft, tail number C209, will carry 6,659 lbs. (3,021 kg.) of science and supplies to the orbiting outpost. Liftoff from pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center happened Monday, April 21, at 4:15 a.m. EDT (0815 UTC).

This will be the 50th Dragon vehicle to visit the International Space Station, including the Dragon 1 vehicles that were berthed to the orbiting lab. Docking with the Harmony module is anticipated Monday, Aug. 25, at 7:30 a.m. EDT (1130 UTC).