The U.S. Government's CLIO satellite, designed and built by Lockheed Martin, was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Lift-off occurred at 6:10 p.m. MDT aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle. Initial contact with the satellite was confirmed at 9:08 p.m. MDT.

The CLIO system is based on innovative commercial technology, and includes Lockheed Martin's A2100 satellite bus.

The A2100 bus is a common framework that includes the satellite's solar arrays, propulsion system and core electronics. There are currently more than 40 A2100 spacecraft in orbit with more than 400 collective years of on-orbit service, including both commercial and U.S. Government satellites.

"We are very proud to deliver mission success for our U.S. Government customer," said Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space Systems.

"Our A2100 bus provides outstanding reliability, flexibility and proven performance, all at an affordable cost to our customers."

The Atlas V is one of the world's most reliable launch vehicles, with an unparalleled record of 49 consecutive successful launches. United Launch Alliance is the launch services provider.