Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. (May 5, 2011) – A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with the Air Force’s Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS) spacecraft rolls out to its Space Launch Complex-41 launch pad arriving at 11 a.m. EDT today. SBIRS is designed to provide global, persistent, infrared surveillance capability to meet 21st century demands in mission areas including missile warning, missile defense, technical intelligence and battlespace awareness. The launch of the SBIRS mission is set for Friday, May 6 with the launch period opening at 2:14 p.m. EDT. (Courtesy Photo by Pat Corkery, United Launch Alliance.)
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