rocket for the US Space Force’s USSF-51 mission.”>Enlarge / Launch of ULA’s Atlas V rocket for the US Space Force’s USSF-51 mission. (credit: United Launch Alliance)
The Conclusion of an Era in Military Rocket Launches
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) marked a significant milestone by successfully launching a classified military payload into orbit using its Atlas V rocket for the final time on Tuesday. This event signals an important transition away from utilizing Russian-engine technology in favor of entirely domestic launch systems as national security missions evolve.
A Historic Liftoff from Cape Canaveral
At precisely 6:45 AM EDT (10:45 UTC), the powerful Atlas V departed from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The launch vehicle was equipped with a Russian-manufactured RD-180 engine along with five additional solid-fuel boosters, constituting its most robust configuration to date. Tuesday’s flight was especially noteworthy as it represented the 101st launch of this particular rocket model since it first took to the skies in 2002, and specifically its final deployment associated with a U.S. national defense mission since 2007.
Successful Mission Completion Confirmed by Space Systems Command
The U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command announced that all objectives for mission USSF-51 were successfully achieved by Tuesday afternoon. Approximately seven hours post-liftoff, the Centaur upper stage detached and deployed what is believed to be a highly confidential payload into orbit—likely positioned within a high-altitude geostationary trajectory above the equator. However, specific details about this orbital assignment have not been disclosed due to national security protocols.
This landmark moment illustrates not only advancing technological capabilities but also highlights strategic moves towards increased self-reliance within military aerospace operations.
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