The Centaur's engine shut off as scheduled. The upper stage will conduct two more burns tonight to place GOES-R into a transfer orbit. The spacecraft will use its own propellant later to circularize its orbit for operations.
The Centaur upper stage and GOES-R spacecraft are performing well 10 minutes after launch. Speed is 15,000 mph.
Centaur continues to fire its engine and pick up speed. The rocket and its GOES-R payload are 970 miles down range from the launch site.
The first stage of the Atlas V spent its fuel and separated as planned. The single RL10 engine of the Centaur upper stage is now burning to lift GOES-R faster and higher. Speed is above 12,800 mph.
The Atlas V is moving faster than 10,000 mph and accelerates. First stage burnout coming out.
The payload fairing over the GOES-R satellite has fallen away as planned from the rocket.
The four solid-fueled boosters on the sides of the first stage are spent and jettisoned. The rocket continues to accelerate and climb toward space. The rocket is going 5,995 mph and is 48 miles high.
The Atlas V just broke the sound barrier.
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V has cleared the tower and GOES-R is on its way into orbit!
