A Lockheed Martin Astronautics Atlas IIAS rocket

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla.—A Lockheed Martin Astronautics Atlas IIAS rocket successfully launched the European W3 communication satellite into geosynchronous transfer orbit April 12, 1999. It was the second successful Atlas launch of 1999 from Cape Canaveral and the 43rd consecutive successful flight. The Atlas IIAS, designated AC-154 for the W3 mission, is one of two Atlas II family configurations presently launching satellites for commercial and government customers worldwide. The Atlas II series, including the II, IIA and IIAS, has achieved 100 percent operational success since the introduction of each launch vehicle. (Courtesy photo)