22:10 GMT (5:10 pm EST): As this mission is carrying a classified satellite for the US military further data is not provided to prohibit an orbit reconstruction. An usual ascent profile will demand the Centaur to be fired a second time after an extended coast period followed by the separation of the NROL-24 satellite called SCORPIUS.
22:09 GMT (5:09 pm EST): The payload fairing is jettisoned.
22:09 GMT (5:09 pm EST): First stage engine cutoff and separation. The Centaur upper stage has been ignited.
22:06 GMT (5:06 pm EST): Vehicle passed maximum dynamic pressure Max-Q
22:05 GMT (5:05 pm EST): Liftoff of the Atlas 5 with the NROL-24 satellite.
22:03 GMT (5:03 pm EST): The launch sequencer has now control over the launch.
22:01 GMT (5:01 pm EST): T-4 and counting . All systems are set for launch.
21:50 GMT (4:50 pm EST): T-4 and holding. The rocket is now in its pre-planned 10+1 minute hold at T-4. The usual 10 minute hold is today extended by one additional minute for launch at 22:05 GMT.
December 10, 2007: The Atlas 5 rocket, production number AV-015, is ready on launch pad 41 for its launch today carrying the NROL-24 satellite.
The Atlas 5 will fly in its 401 configuration, that is a 4-meter wide payload fairing, no solid rocket boosters and a Centaur upper stage powered by a single RL10A-4-2 engine.
NROL-24 is a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) which is a joint organization of 16 Intelligence Community Agencies.
Liftoff is scheduled for 22:04 GMT (5:04 pm EST).
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