Atlas V / MUOS-4

Go MUOS! A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket in the 551 configuration stands ready to launch the US Navy's MUOS-4 payload.

Xenon searchlights illuminate SLC-41 at the former 'Integrate-Transfer-Launch' Complex at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SLC-40, seen at extreme right, was also once a part of the 'ITL' complex.

Pre-Dawn Spotlights Xenon searchlights illuminate SLC-41 at the former 'Integrate-Transfer-Launch' Complex at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. SLC-40, seen at extreme right, was also once a part of the 'ITL' complex.

Liftoff! The Atlas V lifts off at 6:18am EDT on September 2, 2015

As the five solid rocket boosters expend their propellant, the flame trail of the rocket changes from yellow to orange to white while the rocket streaks downrange.

Traveling Downrange As the five solid rocket boosters expend their propellant, the flame trail of the rocket changes from yellow to orange to white while the rocket streaks downrange.

Sunlight reaching around the limb of the Earth illuminatees the exhaust plume of the Atlas V rocket, while the sky & ground remain dark. This unusual effect occurs when the sun has not yet risen past the horizon, but the rocket (at 60 miles in altitude) catches the first rays.

Twilight Phenomena Sunlight reaching around the limb of the Earth illuminatees the exhaust plume of the Atlas V rocket, while the sky & ground remain dark. This unusual effect occurs when the sun has not yet risen past the horizon, but the rocket (at 60 miles in altitude) catches the first rays.