[Satellite Today – 3-14-08] United Launch Alliance (ULA)’s Atlas 5 rocket has been launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base’s Space Launch Complex-3 East for the first time, ULA announced March 13.
    The launch marks the end of a four-year program to expand the complex for the U.S. Air Force’s Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program. The spacecraft previously have been launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. 
    Major elements of the modification included raising the height of the mobile service tower by 30 feet; building a 250-ton fixed launch platform; installing a 60-ton bridge crane; replacing the ground command, control and communication system; and finishing work on new and refurbished launch control and mission support centers.
    The mission delivered a U.S. National Reconnaissance Office payload.