Cape Canaveral, FL — On July 30, 2024, United Launch Alliance (ULA) will reach a milestone of sorts with the launch of the USSF-51 mission aboard an Atlas V rocket. The launch will be from Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station , and is scheduled for 6:45AM. This mission is not only important for the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC) but also the last national security mission that the ULA will execute using the workhorse Atlas V rocket. Future national security launches will be utilize the new ULA Vulcan booster.
Mission Overview
The Atlas V rocket, equipped with a classified payload, is scheduled for liftoff at 6:45 a.m. ET. However, the launch window extends to 11:45 a.m. This launch is ULA’s 100th mission dedicated to national security and the 58th national security launch for the Atlas V rocket. The USSF-51 payload remains classified, but has been described as “important” for U.S. national defense and intelligence operations. This mission highlights the Atlas V’s legacy as a reliable workhorse for critical space missions, with the rocket’s RD-180 engines and five solid rocket boosters providing the necessary thrust to propel the payload into geostationary Earth orbit.
Technical Specifications
The Atlas V configuration for this mission includes a 5-meter diameter payload fairing and five solid rocket boosters (SRBs), enhancing its lift capability. The rocket’s first stage, powered by a Russian-built RD-180 engine burning kerosene and liquid oxygen, delivers 860,200 pounds of thrust at sea level. The Centaur upper stage, equipped with an American-built RL10 engine, uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to complete the orbit insertion tasks.
Transition to Vulcan Rocket
The Vulcan Centaur rocket, designed to replace both the Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, promises enhanced performance and flexibility, aiming to meet a broader range of mission requirements. Despite development delays, ULA is set to phase in Vulcan with an increased launch cadence planned to maintain mission schedules for both national security and commercial payloads. A launch of a Vulcan rocket is planned sometime in September. This will be Vulcan’s second certification flight.
Gary Wentz, ULA’s Vice President of Government and Commercial Programs, remarked, “Transitioning from Atlas V to Vulcan is crucial for meeting the evolving demands of our national security missions. We are ensuring a seamless transition with dual-launch capability at Space Launch Complex-41 to support both Atlas and Vulcan operations concurrently.”
Legacy and Future Prospects
The Atlas V has been a cornerstone of ULA’s launch services, celebrated for its reliability and precision. As ULA bids farewell to the Atlas V in national security roles, the focus shifts to ensuring Vulcan’s readiness for future missions. The Vulcan rocket, which faced setbacks primarily due to delays in BE-4 engine delivery from Blue Origin, is expected to support upcoming missions, including USSF-106 and USSF-87.
Tory Bruno, ULA’s President and CEO, reflected on the significance of this transition, stating, “It’s a fitting way to conclude the Atlas V’s national security mission legacy. This rocket has been a reliable asset, and its successor, Vulcan, will continue to uphold the same standards of excellence and reliability.”
For live updates and coverage of the USSF-51 launch, follow @ulalaunch on social media and join the conversation with hashtags #AtlasV and #USSF51.
