Atlas V.

United Launch Alliance's veteran workhorse. Russian RD-180 first stage, Centaur upper stage. Final flights through 2028 for remaining NRO and commercial contracts. Successor: ULA Vulcan.

Every Atlas V launch is independently confirmed by LaunchDetect from NOAA GOES or JMA Himawari geostationary thermal infrared imagery within 30 to 90 seconds of ignition.

Vehicle facts

OperatorULA
CountryUS
First flight2002
StatusRetiring (final flights 2026-2028)
ClassMedium-lift expendable
Primary padsSLC-41 Cape Canaveral, SLC-3E Vandenberg
See detected launches →