Despite the danger of Coronavirus in the world, the newly-established United States Space Force has successfully launched its first communication satellite liftoff. The operation did not begin flawlessly after some minor issues were reported during the launch. However, the U.S. Space Force immediately took action. Here's what happened.
U.S. Space Force successfully launches its first Atlas V Rocket operation! Here's what happened
On Thursday, Mar. 26, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the liftoff of one of America's most powerful rocket called Atlas V Rocket was reported. Around its scheduled period of 2:57 pm or 18:57 UTC, the rocket was successfully going to space-- being the U.S. Space Force's first successful mission since its creation.
The rocket carries a U.S. Space Force communications satellite. This satellite aims to the extension of communication of America to all world leaders across the globe beyond the year 2030.
In the first minutes of the liftoff, the operation did not go as planned successfully. A hydraulic fault stopped the countdown for 80 minutes before the problem was fixed.
According to Ars Technica, the first phase of the launch was considered a success. Currently, the rocket's Centaur upper stage is pushing the AEHF-6 satellite toward a geostationary transfer orbit. The upper portion of the rocket will, then, release the satellite until five hours and 40 minutes after the launch.
U.S. Space Force practiced social distancing during liftoff
The U.S. Space Force explains --that even though they are launching their first mission, they are practicing proper social distancing to protect everyone against the spread of Coronavirus.
Not only that, but they also limit the people helping on the launch since military men are now required to help on quarantine centers.
"Obviously (personnel) can't necessarily telework on the launch, but ... we're limiting the crew to just the necessary folks that need to be there," said Brigadier General Douglas Schiess, commander of the 45th Space Wing and director of the Eastern Range at Patrick Air Force Base.
"We are cleaning all of our [operation] centers ... and telling our folks that are on the crew that this is not the time to be out and about. If you're working a mission, make sure that you're keeping yourself at home and being prepared for mission operations. We're doing everything we can."
U.S. Space Force: "Even in the face of a pandemic, we need to continue essential tasks."
The newly-created agency also reiterated that they need to finish these operations despite the health danger surrounding COVID-19. This is what they answered to all people that criticize the agency for still pushing forward on sending satellites in space.
"It is a really, really important launch," he said. "It's the very first launch for the U.S. Space Force. "There are critical things, or mission essential things, that the U.S. Department of Defence does every day. Even in the face of a global pandemic, we must continue to perform mission essential tasks."
