ULA AEHF-4 (USA 288) Atlas V 551
Rocket Launch Video Streams
Weather Forecast During Launch
According to weather officials, there's a 90% chance of favorable weather conditions at the time of the launch.
About the AEHF-4 Mission
| Type | Communications |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Geostationary Transfer Orbit |
| Launch Cost | $153,000,000 |
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.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 41
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
| Launches | 125 |
|---|---|
| Orbital Launch Attempts | 125 |
| Total Launches | 1130 |
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
ULA Atlas V 551 Rocket
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.
| Length | 59.7 m |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 3.8 m |
| Stages | 1-2 |
| Launch Mass | 573.0 T |
| Takeoff Thrust | 12,269.0 kN |
| Apogee | 40,000.0 km |
| LEO Capacity | 18,850 kg |
| GTO Capacity | 8,890 kg |
| GEO Capacity | 3,850 kg |
| Launch Cost | $153,000,000 |
| Maiden Flight | 1/19/2006 |
About ULA
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is a joint venture of Lockheed Martin Space Systems and Boeing Defense, Space & Security. ULA was formed in December 2006 by combining the teams at these companies which provide spacecraft launch services to the government of the United States. ULA launches from both coasts of the US. They launch their Atlas V vehicle from LC-41 in Cape Canaveral and LC-3E at Vandeberg. Their Delta IV launches from LC-37 at Cape Canaveral and LC-6 at Vandenberg.
| Total Launches | 175 |
|---|---|
| Successful | 175 |
| Pending | 73 |
| Consecutive Success | 175 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the ULA Atlas V 551 AEHF-4 launch scheduled?
The ULA Atlas V 551 AEHF-4 launch was scheduled for:
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Where can I watch the ULA Atlas V 551 AEHF-4 launch video?
You can watch the ULA Atlas V 551 launch video on this page. The official video includes full mission coverage with multiple camera angles, onboard views, and expert commentary covering pre-launch procedures, liftoff, stage separation, and payload deployment.
Where did the ULA Atlas V 551 AEHF-4 mission launch from?
The ULA Atlas V 551 rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
What rocket was used for the AEHF-4 mission?
The AEHF-4 mission launched aboard a ULA Atlas V 551 rocket. 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. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the ULA Atlas V 551 AEHF-4 launch?
The ULA Atlas V 551 AEHF-4 launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the ULA Atlas V 551 AEHF-4 launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest ULA Atlas V 551 launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the AEHF-4 mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official ULA live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.
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