USSF-51

Last updated

USSF-51
Atlas V USSF-51 launch (8561187).jpg
USSF-51 Launch
Operator USSF
Start of mission
Launch date30 July 2024 10:45 UTC
Rocket Atlas V 551 (AV-101)
Launch site Cape Canaveral, SLC-41
Contractor United Launch Alliance
Orbital parameters
Reference system Geocentric orbit
Regime Geosynchronous orbit
←  USSF-62
USSF-106  →

USSF-51 is an American National Security Space Launch Mission under the vision of United States Space Force. The launch is significant as it is the Last launch for United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket for National Security Mission. After reaching orbit Three Satellite are deployed named USA-396, USA-397 and USA-398. In October 2025, one more satellite is deployed named USA-566. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]

Contents

Overview

USSF had assigned USSF-106 Mission to ULA in 2020. At the time it was planned to be the first National Security Mission on Vulcan Centaur but after reassignment to an Atlas V, USSF-106 become the first National Security Mission on Vulcan Centaur. [9]

This mission is also last use of Russian RD-180 engine on US National Security Missions which is used on ULA's Atlas V rocket and is replaced with American made BE-4 engines, two of them is used on ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket starting with USSF-106 Mission in August 2025. [10]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "USSF-51 (USA-396 to 398) | Atlas V 551 | Next Spaceflight". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  2. ↑ Davenport, Justin (29 July 2024). "Atlas V successfully launched its last ever national security mission". NASASpaceFlight.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  3. ↑ "ULA launches Atlas 5 rocket on the company's 100th national security mission – Spaceflight Now" . Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  4. ↑ Wall, Mike (29 July 2024). "Atlas V rocket launches its final national security mission for US military (video)". Space. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  5. ↑ "Atlas V USSF-51". www.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  6. ↑ ULA. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 100th National Security Mission". newsroom.ulalaunch.com. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  7. ↑ "USA 396, 397, 398 (USSF 51)". Gunter's Space Page. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  8. ↑ "USSF-51 (USA-396 to 398) | Atlas V 551 | Next Spaceflight". nextspaceflight.com. Retrieved 17 October 2025.
  9. ↑ "FY20 NSS Missions". U.S. Air Force. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  10. ↑ Ferster, Warren (17 September 2014). "ULA To Invest in Blue Origin Engine as RD-180 Replacement". SpaceNews. Archived from the original on 18 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
Generic references:

RocketSunIcon.svg Spaceflightportal
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.