LAUNCH CENTER

Launch Image
Success
Wed Oct 17 2018
United Launch Alliance

AEHF-4

Launch Successful
LAUNCH PREVIEW

Launch Time

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(4:15 AM UTC)

Launch Window Start

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(4:15 AM UTC)

Launch Window End

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(6:15 AM UTC)

RECOVERY OVERVIEW

Location

No Recovery Specified

Type

No Recovery Specified

Rocket Details

Name:

Atlas V 551

Description:

Atlas V is an expendable launch system in the Atlas rocket family. It was formerly operated by Lockheed Martin and is now operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture with Boeing. Each Atlas V rocket uses a Russian-built RD-180 engine burning kerosene and liquid oxygen to power its first stage and an American-built RL10 engine burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to power its Centaur upper stage. The RD-180 engines are provided by RD Amross, while Aerojet Rocketdyne provides both the RL10 engines and the strap-on boosters used in some configurations. The standard payload fairing sizes are 4 or 5 meters in diameter and of various lengths. Fairings sizes as large as 7.2 m in diameter and up to 32.3 m in length have been considered. The rocket is assembled in Decatur, Alabama and Harlingen, Texas.

Atlas V 551 rocket
MISSION OVERVIEW
  • Type: Communications
  • This is the fourth satellite in the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system, which is a series of communications satellites operated by the United States Air Force Space Command. It provides global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters operating on ground, sea and air platforms.
COMPLEX OVERVIEW

Location

Cape Canaveral, FL, USA

Pad

Space Launch Complex 41