FULL LAUNCH VIDEO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8iDpu0TNfM

An Atlas V in the 531 configuration launched from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral today, May 4th 2012 at 18:42 UTC. Launch was originally set for May 3rd but was scrubbed due to an issue with the Centaur purge in the interstage of the rocket.

This was the 30th Atlas V launch, the 4th ULA launch of 2012 and 2nd Atlas V launch of 2012.

The three solid rocket boosters on the single booster stage and centaur upper-stage lofted the United Air Force's second AEHF communications satellite into orbit. The 13,600 lb satellite will provide connectivity across the spectrum of mission areas, including land, air and naval warfare; special operations; strategic nuclear operations; strategic defense; theater missile defense and space operations and intelligence.

Processing on the payload began with the payload encapsulated in the 5 meter payload fairing on April 15th. On April 23rd the encapsulated payload was transported to the pad and mounted ontop of the Atlas booster. Finally on May 2nd the entire vehicle on the mobile transporter was rolled to the launch pad.