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Happening Thursday: Missile detection satellite to launch from Space Coast

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — ULA plans to launch a national security mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

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The mission for the U.S. Space Force and Space Systems Command will place an early warning missile detection satellite into orbit.

Officials said Monday the vehicle is ready for launch. The rollout is planned for Tuesday morning.

READ: Russian Space Agency announces withdraw from International Space Station

It is the sixth and final Space-Based Infrared System geo satellite and will launch atop a ULA Atlas V rocket.

The system was built by Lockheed-Martin and is considered one of the nation’s highest priority space programs.

READ: A ‘multi-user space port’: Kennedy Space Center officials give update on launch tower construction

It’s one of two launches scheduled for Thursday. SpaceX is also launching a lunar mission from South Korea, the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Mission. It will mark South Korea’s first lunar mission.

READ: NASA aiming for late August test flight of Artemis 1 flight around moon

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.