United Launch Alliance completes FCC 5G satellite mission

(United Launch Alliance/Flickr)

A Decatur-built United Launch Alliance Atlas V Rocket launched two satellites Tuesday as part of the Federal Communications Commission’s 5G FAST mission.

The SES-20 and SES-21 satellites, operated by worldwide telecommunications network provider SES of Luxembourg, will serve to enhance mobile phone services.

Liftoff was 4:36 p.m. CST from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. It was ULA’s 154th launch; the rocket manufacturer holds a 100% mission success rate.

Gary Wentz, ULA vice president of Government and Commercial Programs, thanked the company’s partner in making for a successful launch.

“We’re excited to support our commercial partner SES in their C-band transition efforts to meet the FCC’s objective to deploy 5G service across the U.S.,” said Wentz in a release. “Their mission aligns with our mission to connect the world and these capabilities will enable uninterrupted commercial services to many Americans. The Atlas V delivered the satellites accurately to a near-geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles (35,888 km) above the equator.

“Thank you to the ULA team and our partners for ensuring the successful delivery of this multi-payload mission to orbit.”

The Boeing-built C-band satellites will enable SES to continue providing data and TV transmission services to nearly 120 million American homes, according to ULA. This was the 96th launch of the Atlas V rocket, the 80th Atlas V launch from SLC-41 and the 107th launch from SLC-41.

ULA’s next launch is the Joint Polar Satellite System’s polar-orbiting weather mission for the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and NASA’s Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator.

The launch is planned for Nov. 1 from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif.

Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL

Recent in Business

Tuberville PSC

U.S. Senator and 2026 frontrunner to become the next Governor of Alabama, Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), voiced his support Wednesday for the multi-bill utility reform package moving through the Alabama Legislature. In a weekly call with in-state reporters, Tuberville urged lawmakers to pass the legislative package, saying the current Public Service Commission members who fail to […]

The Alabama House and Senate Education Trust Fund budget committee chairmen addressed the Business Council of Alabama’s Tuesday morning briefing, and discussed budget priorities, their working relationship, and the future of education in Alabama. State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville) agreed that managing expectations will be a key challenge this […]