The Centaur upper stage and GOES-R spacecraft are performing well 10 minutes after launch. Speed is 15,000 mph.
Flight Continues to Go Well
Altitude 137 Miles, Speed 14,209 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.
Centaur Takes Over
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.
10,000 MPH
The Atlas V is moving faster than 10,000 mph and accelerates. First stage burnout coming out.
Fairing Jettison
The payload fairing over the GOES-R satellite has fallen away as planned from the rocket.
Solid-Fueled Boosters Jettisoned
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.
Mach 1
The Atlas V just broke the sound barrier.
LIFTOFF!
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V has cleared the tower and GOES-R is on its way into orbit!
T-1 Minute
1 minute to launch of NOAA's GOES-R.