Engineering:USSF-51
| File:250px USSF-51 Launch | |
| Operator | USSF |
|---|---|
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | 30 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-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]
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
- ↑ "USSF-51 (USA-396 to 398) | Atlas V 551 | Next Spaceflight" (in en). https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/5055/.
- ↑ Davenport, Justin (2024-07-29). "Atlas V successfully launched its last ever national security mission" (in en-US). https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/07/ussf-51/.
- ↑ "ULA launches Atlas 5 rocket on the company's 100th national security mission – Spaceflight Now" (in en-US). https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/07/29/live-coverage-ula-to-launch-atlas-5-rocket-on-the-companys-100th-national-security-mission/.
- ↑ Wall, Mike (2024-07-29). "Atlas V rocket launches its final national security mission for US military (video)" (in en). https://www.space.com/atlas-v-final-national-security-launch-ussf-51-.
- ↑ "Atlas V USSF-51". https://www.ulalaunch.com/missions/archived-launched/atlas-v-ussf-51.
- ↑ ULA. "United Launch Alliance Successfully Launches 100th National Security Mission" (in en). https://newsroom.ulalaunch.com/releases/united-launch-alliance-successfully-launches-100th-national-security-mission.
- ↑ "USA 396, 397, 398 (USSF 51)" (in en). https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/usa-396.htm.
- ↑ "USSF-51 (USA-396 to 398) | Atlas V 551 | Next Spaceflight" (in en). https://nextspaceflight.com/launches/details/5055/.
- ↑ "FY20 NSS Missions". U.S. Air Force. August 7, 2020. https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2305576/space-force-awards-national-security-space-launch-phase-2-launch-service-contra/.
- ↑ Ferster, Warren (September 17, 2014). "ULA To Invest in Blue Origin Engine as RD-180 Replacement". SpaceNews. http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/41901ula-to-invest-in-blue-origin-engine-as-rd-180-replacement.
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