The new upgraded Atlas 5 rocket lifts a massive communications satellite, Inmarsat-4, weighing over 13,000 pounds into orbit. The satellite will provide Internet, video, videoconferencing, fax, e-mail and phone services to the U.S. Navy, commercial airlines, and the general public. This commercial launch lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 4:42 p.m. on 11 March 2005. Upper left picture inset shows the launch, upper right inset shows the exhaust spreading out in the thin upper atmosphere, while the lower right inset shows the three spent booster rockets falling away.
All contents copyright Lunar Cabin