9/8/09 ~ 5:35pm
Homepage Launch Photos
An Atlas 5 rocket launches a government communications satellite known as PAN right on time at 5:35pm EDT September 8. The meaning of the acronym has not been divulged. The 19-story Atlas 5 rode in the 401 configuration with no solid boosters strapped on to the side, and only the power of its 860,000-lb thrust RD-180 main engine giving PAN its ride into orbit.
Photos from Playalinda Beach, 4.8 miles from the pad.
