Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle

Modular Design for Mission Flexibility

The Atlas V is an expendable launch system that offers a modular design to accommodate a wide range of mission requirements. It uses a standard common core booster and can be equipped with up to five solid rocket boosters for additional thrust.

Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle

The Atlas V is part of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV) family, which was developed by the United States Air Force to replace the Space Shuttle and Titan IV rockets. The Atlas V is capable of launching payloads into a variety of orbits, including low Earth orbit, geostationary orbit, and escape trajectories.

Recent Launch

The most recent Atlas V launch occurred on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The rocket successfully carried the NRO's NROL-101 satellite into orbit. This was the 98th Atlas V mission overall and the final Atlas V launch for the NRO.

Remaining Launches

There are just two Atlas V rockets left in the United States Air Force's inventory. These rockets are expected to be used for national security missions.