Nation IN BRIEF : FLORIDA : Military Satellite Finally Launched
- Share via
An Atlas rocket hurtled into space from Cape Canaveral, Fla., carrying a military communications satellite intended to link the White House with U.S. forces around the world during nuclear attacks or other crises. In peacetime, the $130-million satellite will serve as a switchboard for Defense Department personnel. Liftoff was delayed more than an hour because of last-minute trouble with ground support equipment and an on-board heater for the satellite. The launch had been canceled three times in the last 1 1/2 weeks, twice because of problems with the $54-million rocket and once because of high winds.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
