Atlas 5 Rocket Launches for U.S. Space Force

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas 5 rocket successfully launched from Cape Canaveral on Tuesday, marking the final national security mission for the veteran booster. The rocket lifted off at 6:45 a.m. EDT, powered by a Russian-built RD-180 engine and five Northrop Grumman solid-fuel boosters, generating an impressive 2.7 million pounds of thrust. Following the launch, ULA ceased its live webcast, adhering to the classified nature of the mission, which left details about the ascent and payload undisclosed. The U.S. Space Force confirmed that the classified satellite was deployed into the correct orbit approximately seven hours post-launch. Col. James Horne, a senior launch manager, expressed mixed emotions about the event, reflecting on the Atlas program's legacy that began with its first national security launch in 2007. This mission also marked ULA's 100th national security flight, underscoring the significance of the Atlas family in military and reconnaissance satellite operations. While specifics about the payload remain confidential, ULA's Gary Wentz emphasized its critical importance to national defense and allied security. As ULA transitions to the new Vulcan rocket, which features American-made engines, the Atlas 5's retirement signifies a shift in the company’s launch strategy. The Vulcan, powered by methane-burning engines from Blue Origin, represents a move towards lower-cost, domestically produced launch capabilities.