The following announcement was released previous to the successful ULA Launch.
Space Systems Command (SSC), in partnership with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are preparing to launch the 99th National Security Space Launch (NSSL) mission aboard an Atlas V (“five”) rocket. The launch vehicle to be flown is outfitted in its most powerful “551” variant (five-meter fairing, five graphite epoxy motor (GEM)-63 solid rocket motors, and one Aerojet Rocketdyne RL-10 upper stage engine) within the Atlas V family of rockets, nicknamed “The Bruiser”.
The SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 mission is scheduled to launch Sept. 9 at 8:51 a.m. EDT (5:51 a.m. PDT) from Space Launch Complex (SLC)-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), Florida. The launch will be livestreamed at www.ulalaunch.com and other media websites.
“We’re on track to launch another important capability into space as our 99th national security space launch mission. We’ve worked alongside ULA to prepare the Atlas V 551, and in just a few days, we will see the fruits of our labor,” said Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen, SSC’s program executive officer for Assured Access to Space (AATS). “These launches place critical capabilities into orbit for our nation and our allies in a time of increasing risks and threats. Every member of our launch team understands what’s at stake and works with both care and efficiency to prepare for what’s going to be a tremendous launch.”
To date, the NSSL program, formerly known as the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program, has launched a total of 51 Atlas Vs, comprised of many configurations, beginning with the Space Test Program (STP)-1 launch on March 9, 2007. Seventeen of the 51 NSSL Atlas V launches have carried payloads to orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office.
Following SILENTBARKER/NROL-107, there is one remaining NSSL Atlas V launch, which will also lift off from SLC-41 on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Preparations for SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 are proceeding well for the first NSSL Atlas V launch and the fourth NSSL of any type this year. As a true workhorse for the NSSL program, this will be the 52nd NSSL Atlas V launch.
The launch of SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 builds upon this long and proud tradition as the 99th NSSL launch. Though this family of launch vehicles is nearing retirement, the contributions made by the Atlas family, and those team members that made it possible, will benefit generations to come.
“The combined Atlas V / Delta IV Engineering team has worked tirelessly to assure the success of this launch; we are proud to have certified this launch vehicle as ready to perform its critical mission of delivering SILENTBARKER/NROL-107 to its intended orbit so it can enhance our Nation’s space capabilities,” said Lt. Col. Alex Jehle, SSC’s launch vehicle materiel leader.
Assured Access to Space (AATS) is the program executive office within Space Systems Command responsible for delivering next-generation launch and on-orbit capabilities in support of the warfighter, combatant commands, intelligence agencies, civil services, allied nations and the commercial space industry. AATS is also responsible for range sustainment programs supporting launch and test customers. Innovation focus areas include sub-orbital rapid strategic mobility, on-orbit servicing and maneuvering, mission lifecycle management and tactically responsive launch.
Space Systems Command (SSC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California, is the U.S. Space Force’s field command responsible for acquiring and delivering resilient war fighting capabilities to protect our nation’s strategic advantage in and from space. SSC manages a $15 billion space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense and works in partnership with joint forces, industry, government agencies, academic and allied organizations to accelerate innovation and outpace emerging threats. Our actions today are making the world a better space for tomorrow.