CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (NewsNation) — Blasting off into space for the last time in the name of national security, United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket launched its 100th and final military mission Tuesday for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command.
“Liftoff of United Launch Alliance’s 100th mission dedicated to U.S. national security as the Atlas V rocket clears the tower,” ULA said in a post on X.
The Atlas V has been a reliable tool for U.S. national security, launching 58 top security missions for the Space Force and Space Systems Command, according to ULA. The company has conducted more than 150 launches since 2006 for both commercial and government customers, according to its website.
For 17 years, the Atlas V served the Air Force, Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office with 100% launch success.
Tuesday’s USSF-51 mission marked the last launch using the Atlas fleet as ULA clears the way for its Vulcan rockets.
The Atlas V rocket, otherwise known as “The Bruiser,” took off shortly before 7 a.m. ET Tuesday from Space Launch Complex 41 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
The launch was performed under the Space Force’s National Security Space Launch Assured Access to Space program at the Space Systems Command, ULA said.