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ULA launches Atlas V rocket for classified mission
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched the classified USSF-51 mission, a national security payload for the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched the Atlas V rocket's final national security mission from Florida early Tuesday.
The rocket lifted off at 6:45 a.m. from the Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
What is the mission?
The Atlas V rocket launched the USSF-51 mission, a national security payload, for the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC).
The mission will mark the 100th national security launch for ULA and the final one using the Atlas V fleet as ULA transitions to using the "next generation, highly flexible" new Vulcan rocket.
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket for the United States Space Force (USSF)-51 mission rolls from the Vertical Integration Facility (VIF) to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. Photo cr …
"Vulcan incorporates the best of the legacy Atlas and Delta rockets to create one launch solution that is flexible, affordable and meets the full spectrum of needs demanded by complex national security satellite deployment missions," the ULA said.
The Atlas V rocket has had a perfect launch record over 17 years, serving the Air Force, Space Force, and National Reconnaissance Office by delivering satellites to different orbits.