10:07 GMT (6:07 am EDT): 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-28 satellite.
10:06 GMT (6:06 am EDT): The payload fairing is jettisoned.
10:06 GMT (6:06 am EDT): First stage engine cutoff and separation. The Centaur upper stage has been ignited.
10:03 GMT (6:03 am EDT): Solid rocket booster burnout and jettison.
10:03 GMT (6:03 am EDT): Vehicle passed maximum dynamic pressure Max-Q
10:02 GMT (6:02 am EDT): Liftoff of the Atlas 5 with the NROL-28 satellite.
10:00 GMT (6:00 am EDT): Two minutes until launch. The launch sequencer has now control over the launch.
9:58 GMT (5:58 am EDT): T-4 and counting . All systems are set for launch.
9:48 GMT (5:48 am EDT): T-4 and holding. The rocket is now in its pre-planned 10 minute hold at T-4.
March 13, 2008
March 12, 2008: The Atlas 5 rocket, production number AV-006, is ready on launch pad SLC-3E for its launch tomorrow carrying the NROL-28 satellite. It will be the first launch from Vandenberg for an Atlas 5 rocket.
The Atlas 5 will fly in its 411 configuration, that is a 4-meter wide payload fairing, one solid rocket booster and a Centaur upper stage powered by a single RL10A-4-2 engine.
NROL-28 is a classified satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) which is a joint organization of 16 Intelligence Community Agencies.
Liftoff is scheduled for 10:02 GMT (6:02 am EDT).
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