Atlas 3B/Navy UHF F11 launch journal
Welcome to our journal chronicling the launch of an Atlas 3B rocket from Pad 36B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on Dec. 15, 2003. It is carry the Navy's ultra high-frequency follow-on or UFO satellite (F11), the last of the UFO constellation of secure communications satellites. The launch window extends from 9:38 p.m. to 11:38 p.m. EST.
7:25 p.m. EST, Monday, Dec. 15, 2003
The launch team is at the point in the countdown where the launch pad must be cleared to make the area safe for fueling. Our updates will pick up about an hour before launch, from our viewing site at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
6:50 p.m. EST, Monday, Dec. 15, 2003
Rollback of the launch tower is nearly complete as the countdown continues toward a 9:38 p.m. lift-off.
[earlier comments omitted]
Journal updated by Chris Kridler