An Atlas V rocket took off from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., late Monday, carrying a national security payload into space for the National Reconnaissance Office, according to Vandenberg officials. Airmen from Vandy’s 30th Space Wing worked with United Launch Alliance and NRO officials to execute the launch. According to ULI, this was the third time that an Atlas V has been launched from Vandenberg. (Vandenberg release) (ULI release)
Earlier this week, the People’s Republic of China confirmed it is halting its nuclear arms control talks with the U.S., in retaliation for the U.S. continuing to sell arms to Taiwan. The move reinforces a “pattern of behavior” from Beijing, experts say.