Orbital ATK, one of NASA's main delivery services for the International Space Station, opted to use an Atlas V rocket for this supply run instead of its own smaller, Virginia-based Antares rocket in order to send more items. These include over 7,600 pounds (3,447 kg) of science research, hardware to the orbiting laboratory and crew supplies.
Atlas V lifted off on time to clear sky at 11:11 a.m. with no delays on launch day.
"It's a great tribute to John to be able to take his name to orbit once again", said Frank Culbertson, a former astronaut who now heads Orbital ATK's space systems group.
"Liftoff of the Atlas V rocket with Cygnus and the S.S. John Glenn, extending the research legacy for living and working in space", said USA space agency commentator George Diller.
If you can't attend in person, there are a few options to watch online.
The stream winked on about 10 minutes before launch.
The minimum viewing distance is typically miles away from the launch pad, but the live 360 stream enables viewers to get a pads-eye view.
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Want the world's best, up-close view of a rocket launch without being right there at the pad?
Furthermore you can learn more about the Orbital ATK CRS-7 mission by going to the mission home page at: http://www.nasa.gov/orbitalatk.
In the event of a delay for any reason related to weather or technical issues a backup launch opportunity exists for Wednesday, April 19, and also looks promising.
The AF is also predicting the same 90 percent chance of "go" conditions at launch time.
It was the last launch commentary for NASA spokesman George Diller, who is retiring next month after almost four decades.
The live 360-degree stream of the cargo resupply mission liftoff to the International Space Station may be viewed on the NASA Television YouTube channel starting 10 minutes prior to lift off, the United States space agency said.
NASA will livestream the launching of the Orbital ATK's Cygnus spacecraft in 360 degrees this coming April 18, tomorrow. NASA's aim is to increase our understanding of growing plants in space.
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