Atlas V 501 | NROL-41 (USA-215)

Operated by United Launch Alliance, the Government/Top Secret mission Atlas V 501 | NROL-41 (USA-215) delivered its payload into SSO.

Launch time
Status
SUCCESS
Operator
United Launch Alliance
Mission type
Government/Top Secret
Rocket
Atlas V 501
Launch site
Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA
Launch pad
Space Launch Complex 3E
Payload
—
Target orbit
SSO
Atlas V 501 | NROL-41 (USA-215) cover image

Mission timeline

  1. 2010-09-21T04:03:30.000Z
    Liftoff
    Atlas V 501 roars off the pad at Vandenberg SFB, CA, USA.
  2. Max-Q
    The vehicle reaches Max Q, the highest aerodynamic load of the flight.
  3. Main engine cutoff (MECO)
    MECO — first-stage propulsion ends after a nominal burn.
  4. Stage separation
    Clean stage separation confirmed.
  5. Second-stage ignition
    The upper-stage engine lights up after separation.
  6. Orbit insertion
    Orbit insertion confirmed — now circling in SSO.
  7. Mission success
    All mission objectives achieved.

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