Posted: Wed, Apr 16, 2008, 8:44 AM ET (1244 GMT)
An Atlas 5 rocket successfully launched a commercial communications satellite Monday afternoon. The Atlas 5 421 rocket lifted off at 4:12 pm EDT (2012 GMT) Monday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, and placed the ICO G1 satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit a half-hour later. The spacecraft, a Space Systems/Loral 1300-series model weighing 6,634 kg at launch, is the heaviest satellite ever launched by an Atlas 5. ICO G1 will operate at 92.85 degrees west in GEO and provide mobile communications services, ranging from roadside assistance to video programming, to customers in the United States starting next year. The launch was the first commercial mission for the Atlas in two years.

Related Links:

•  Spaceflight Now article
•  Space News article (subscription required)
•  Florida Today article
•  Lockheed Martin press release
•  ICO press release