ATLAS V LAUNCH SCHEDULED Published Dec. 5, 2013 By 031213 VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying a National Reconnaissance Office payload is scheduled to be launched by team Vandenberg from Space Launch Complex-3 here Thursday with a launch window beginning at 11:13 p.m. PST. Col. Keith Balts, 30th Space Wing commander will be the launch decision authority. "Vandenberg has successfully made it through many obstacles to get to this point of launch preparations," said Balts. "With the last Minuteman III test launch postponed due to the shutdown, we are excited to come back from Thanksgiving break and showcase our unique mission." The 4th Space Launch Squadron is in charge of mission assurance and safety for this launch operation. "A launch like this takes teamwork and dedication," said Lt. Col. James Bodnar, 4th SLS commander. "Our mission assurance technicians and engineers have worked hand in hand with United Launch Alliance going over critical procedures and tasks to ensure this week's launch is a safe and successful one."