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Atlas rocket launches for 1st time since March grounding

Associated Press
Published | Updated
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    A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying a U.S. Navy communications satellite lifts off from Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Friday, June 24, 2016, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The satellite is designed to significantly improve ground communications for U.S. forces on the move. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (The Associated Press)

  • fad5b6a9-
    Image 2 of 3

    A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying a U.S. Navy communications satellite lifts off from Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Friday, June 24, 2016, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The satellite is designed to significantly improve ground communications for U.S. forces on the move. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (The Associated Press)

  • 1f406e56-
    Image 3 of 3

    A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying a U.S. Navy communications satellite lifts off from Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Friday, June 24, 2016, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The satellite is designed to significantly improve ground communications for U.S. forces on the move. (AP Photo/John Raoux) (The Associated Press)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – America's Atlas rockets are flying again, launching a communications satellite for the Navy.

The unmanned Atlas V (five) rocket blasted off Friday morning from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It was the first Atlas flight by rocket maker United Launch Alliance since March, when a fuel-valve problem popped up on a space station delivery for NASA.

The first stage of that rocket shut down six seconds too soon, but the second stage took control and put the Cygnus cargo ship in the proper orbit.

The company grounded its Atlas fleet until it could fix the problem.

This is the fifth in a series of advanced Navy communication satellites for use by the military worldwide.

Atlas rockets have been launching for almost 60 years.

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Online:

United Launch Alliance: http://www.ulalaunch.com/