Space Test Program-3 completes roll-out in preparation for Dec. 5 launch

CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, Fla. – Space Systems Command’s upcoming mission for the U.S. Space Force — Space Test Program (STP)-3 — completed roll-out to Space Launch Complex-41 today in preparation for a pre-dawn Sunday morning launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

STP-3 is a co-manifested spacecraft mission on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V “551” (five meter fairing, five solid rocket motors and one upper stage engine) launch vehicle. STP-3 is designed to mature technology and reduce future space program risk for the Department of the Air Force and the USSF by advancing warfighting capabilities in the areas of nuclear detonation detection, space domain awareness, weather, and communication. The primary spacecraft is Space Test Program Satellite (STPSat)-6 and the rideshare spacecraft is Long Duration Propulsive ESPA (LDPE)-1. 

“We’re ecstatic about the upcoming launch of STP-3,” said Col Carlos Quinones, STP Director. “STP-3 exemplifies how SSC pursues innovative ways to deliver space capabilities for the Department of the Air Force and the United States Space Force.”

STP-3 is scheduled to launch on Dec. 5 during a two-hour launch window that opens at 4:04 a.m. Eastern (1:04 a.m. Pacific). Both ULA and NASA will broadcast the STP-3 launch beginning 20 minutes prior to launch at www.ULAlaunch.com or www.NASA.gov. 

Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for rapidly identifying, prototyping and fielding resilient space capabilities for joint warfighters. SSC delivers sustainable joint space warfighting capabilities to defend the nation and its allies while disrupting adversaries in the contested space domain. SSC mission areas include launch acquisition and operations; space domain awareness; positioning, navigation and timing; missile warning; satellite communication; and cross-mission ground, command and control and data.

This will be the 90th flight of the rocket, which has a demonstrated record of success for @USSF_SSC, @NASA_LSP, @NatReconOfc and commercial customers. (Photos: Space Systems Command, United Launch Alliance)

Live webcast starts on Sunday morning at 3:30 a.m. EST (0830 UTC) at www.ULAlaunch.com or www.NASA.gov. (Photo: United Launch Alliance)