Vandenberg AFB Delta II Launch Successful

Vandenberg AFB successfully launched a Delta II rocket today at 7:34 p.m. The rocket took off from Space Launch Complex-2 carrying the Thales Alenia-Space COSMO-SkyMed Satellite.

Col. Steve Tanous, 30th Space Wing commander, was the spacelift commander for this mission, or final go-for-launch authority.

“This was the first of two COSMO-SkyMed launches scheduled from Vandenberg Air Force Base this year and is a testament to the tremendous team effort between the 30th Space Wing and our industry partners,” Colonel Tanous said. “Teamwork was the backbone to the success of this launch and getting the Italian satellite into orbit.”

The Delta II is an expendable launch, medium-lift vehicle. It carries civil and commercial payloads into low-earth, polar, geosynchronous transfer and stationary orbits.

For more information about the COSMO-SkyMed spacecraft, call Francesca Sette from Thales Alenia-Space at +39 335 7252878. For more information about the Delta II, contact Mike Rein from United Launch Alliance at (321) 693-6250. Questions concerning Boeing can be forwarded to Susan Wells at (321) 446-4970.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Video footage will be available at the Main Gate Visitor’s Center at approximately 10 p.m. Still photography will be posted on www.vandenberg.af.mil.