Posted: Fri, Mar 11, 2005, 10:07 PM ET (0307 GMT)
An Atlas 5 vehicle successfully launched a heavy Inmarsat communications satellite Friday. The Atlas 5 431 lifted off Friday from Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 4:42 pm EST (2142 GMT). It placed its payload, Inmarsat 4-F1, into a supersynchronous transfer orbit 32 minutes later. The launch was delayed one day because of minor technical glitches; there were no serious problems encountered during Friday's countdown, and weather conditions cooperated despite occasionally gusty winds. Inmarsat 4-F1, built by EADS Astrium, is the heaviest commercial communications satellite ever orbited, with a launch mass of approximately 5,950 kilograms. The satellite, to be located in GEO at 65 degrees east longitude, will be used by Inmarsat to provide voice and broadband data services.

Related Links:

•  WESH-TV Orlando article
•  AP article
•  Spaceflight Now launch status center
•  ILS press release
•  Inmarsat press release