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Launch Vehicles
Vehicle family profile

Atlas 5

Family-level launch record combining canonical variants, historical missions, public cadence forecasts, and available payload performance specs.

United Launch Alliance (ULA)Active
Admin
Variants
24
Canonical variants linked to this family.
Historical missions
110
Missions in the public mission table with actual launch dates.
Peak listed capacity
18,850 kg
Maximum payload capacity across listed variants and orbits.

Launch Cadence

Historical missions are grouped by actual launch year. Forecast cadence uses family-level launch-rate rows.

YearHistorical missionsForecast launches
201920
202050
202140
202270
202320
202420
202550
202643
202702
202801
202901
203001
203100
203200
203300
203400
203500

Performance Specs

Payload capacity by variant and target orbit when structured capacity rows are available.

VariantOrbitCapacityAltitudeInclinationSource
Atlas V N22
LEO18,850 kgUnknownUnknownManual Atlas V N22 fallback from Atlas V heavy configuration public capacity.
Atlas V 551
LEO18,850 kgUnknownUnknownNASA KSC Launch Services Program - ULA educational page
Atlas V 551 G
LEO18,814 kg200 km28.5 deg

Recent Missions

Latest launched missions using variants in this family.

MissionVariantLaunch
Amazon Leo LA-08
Atlas V 551 G
Jul 2, 2026
Amazon Leo LA-07
Atlas V 551 G
May 29, 2026
Amazon Leo LA-06
Atlas V 551 G
Apr 28, 2026
Amazon Leo LA-05

Variants

Canonical variants rolled up into this launch vehicle family.

VariantStagesMissionsStatus
Atlas V 401
Not stated26Retired
Atlas V 401 C
Not stated15Active
Atlas V 411
Not stated5Retired
Atlas V 411 C
Not stated1Retired
203600
203700
203800
203900
204000
204101

Forecast Location Split

1 launch location represented.

YearLocationLaunchesConfidenceBasis
2026Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)365%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2027Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)265%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2028Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)165%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2029Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)165%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2030Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)165%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2031Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2032Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2033Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2034Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2035Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2036Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2037Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2038Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2039Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2040Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)065%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
2041Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)155%Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but roc...
Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2026 · 65% confidence
3

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2027 · 65% confidence
2

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2028 · 65% confidence
1

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2029 · 65% confidence
1

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2030 · 65% confidence
1
ULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 551 G
LEO18,487 kg500 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 551 G
LEO17,703 kg1,000 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 541 G
LEO17,443 kg200 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 541 G
LEO17,234 kg500 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 541 G
LEO16,294 kg1,000 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 531 G1
LEO15,575 kg200 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 531 G1
LEO15,340 kg500 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 551 G
SSO14,917 kg500 kmUnknownULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 531 G1
LEO14,531 kg1,000 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 551 G
SSO14,168 kg1,000 kmUnknownULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 421 G1
LEO14,067 kg200 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 541 G
SSO13,761 kg500 kmUnknownULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 421 G1
LEO13,544 kg500 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 541 G
SSO13,049 kg1,000 kmUnknownULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 421 G1
LEO13,038 kg1,000 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 531 G1
SSO12,228 kg500 kmUnknownULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 531 G1
SSO11,608 kg1,000 kmUnknownULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 511 G
LEO10,986 kg200 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 511 G
LEO10,774 kg500 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 421 G1
SSO10,309 kg500 kmUnknownULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 511 G
LEO10,200 kg1,000 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 421 G1
SSO9,949 kg1,000 kmUnknownULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 401 C
LEO9,797 kg200 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 401 C
LEO9,269 kg500 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 401 C
LEO9,011 kg1,000 km28.5 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 551 G
GTO8,900 kg35,786 km27 degULA Atlas V Launch Services User's Guide Rev 11
Atlas V 551
GTO8,900 kgUnknownUnknownNASA KSC Launch Services Program - ULA educational page
Atlas V 551 G
Apr 4, 2026
Amazon Leo LA-04
Atlas V 551 G
Dec 16, 2025
Viasat-3 F2
Atlas V 551 G
Nov 14, 2025
Kuiper KA-03
Atlas V 551 G
Sep 25, 2025
Kuiper KA-02
Atlas V 551 G
Jun 23, 2025

Forecasted Missions

Upcoming mission rows with announced launch timing.

MissionVariantAnnounced

No forecasted missions

No upcoming announced mission rows are linked to this vehicle family.

Atlas V 421
Not stated4Retired
Atlas V 421 C
Not stated3Retired
Atlas V 421 C1
Not stated1Retired
Atlas V 421 G1
Not stated1Active
Atlas V 431
Not stated2Retired
Atlas V 431 C
Not stated1Retired
Atlas V 501
Not stated6Active
Atlas V 501 C
Not stated2Retired
Atlas V 511 G
Not stated1Active
Atlas V 521
Not stated2Retired
Atlas V 531
Not stated3Retired
Atlas V 531 G
Not stated1Retired
Atlas V 531 G1
Not stated1Active
Atlas V 541
Not stated2Retired
Atlas V 541 C
Not stated5Retired
Atlas V 541 G
Not stated2Active
Atlas V 551
Not stated4Retired
Atlas V 551 C
Not stated7Retired
Atlas V 551 G
Not stated12Active
Atlas V N22
Not stated3Active
Track

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2031 · 65% confidence
0

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2032 · 65% confidence
0

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2033 · 65% confidence
0

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2034 · 65% confidence
0

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2035 · 65% confidence
0

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2036 · 65% confidence
0

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral (Cape Canaveral Air Station, Florida)
2037 · 65% confidence
0

Residual Atlas V missions are mostly Amazon Leo and Starliner-related. Cadence falls to zero once sold manifest clears; physical pad could support more but rocket is unavailable c...

Mentions
957
All verified mentions of this launch vehicle family in source documents.
0.0-5.0
Actions

Parsons will integrate a secondary payload for the Atlas 5 launch of Landsat 9, a NASA Earth observation satellite projected to launch in December 2020.

RelationshipsPlanCapabilityValue 4.0Aug 8, 2019Air Force cubesat successfully deployed from Atlas 5 upper stage
Page45of48

The Atlas 5 aft bulkhead carrier was originally developed for the National Reconnaissance Office to take advantage of excess capacity on large rockets to place small payloads into orbit.

GeneralCapabilityRelationshipsValue 3.4Aug 5, 2019Upcoming Atlas 5 mission will launch Air Force cubesat before it releases main payload

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket scheduled to launch a $1,100,000,000 military communications satellite will carry an experimental cubesat as a rideshare payload on the Centaur upper stage.

PlanCapabilityGeneralValue 4.5Aug 5, 2019Upcoming Atlas 5 mission will launch Air Force cubesat before it releases main payload

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner uncrewed test flight is delayed due to an Atlas 5 launch, now scheduled for August 8, 2023.

PlanValue 4.0Jul 30, 2019NASA warns commercial crew delays create uncertainty in ISS operations

On 2019-07-11, United Launch Alliance rescheduled the Atlas 5 launch of the Air Force Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite planned for 2019-07-17 until no earlier than 2019-08-08.

PlanValue 4.5Jul 17, 2019Atlas 5 and Delta 4 launch delays caused by common component in upper stage

Both the Atlas 5 and Delta 4 vehicles use the RL10 upper stage engine made by Aerojet Rocketdyne.

CapabilityValue 4.0Jul 17, 2019Atlas 5 and Delta 4 launch delays caused by common component in upper stage

SBIRS GEO-4 launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on 2018-01-20 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V 411 rocket.

PlanGeneralValue 4.0Jun 6, 2019Air Force reports progress in missile defense satellite programs

United Launch Alliance would be permitted to offer Atlas 5 or Delta 4 Heavy as a secondary launch vehicle if Vulcan is not ready for launches ordered before 2021-09-30.

LegalPlanValue 4.0May 24, 2019Crunch time: Rocket companies in all-out battle for Air Force award

The Air Force procured six Atlas 5 launches since the 2017 NDAA restrictions went into effect, leaving up to 12 Atlas 5 launches available before 2022-12-31.

PlanRelationshipsValue 4.0May 24, 2019Crunch time: Rocket companies in all-out battle for Air Force award

OmegA’s cryogenic third stage will be powered by a variant of the RL-10 engine used on Atlas 5 and Delta 4.

CapabilityValue 4.5May 24, 2019Crunch time: Rocket companies in all-out battle for Air Force award

Congress in the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act allowed the Air Force to order up to 18 Atlas 5 missions between 2016-12-23 and 2022-12-31.

LegalPlanValue 4.0May 24, 2019Crunch time: Rocket companies in all-out battle for Air Force award

United Launch Alliance had 10 national security launches on Atlas 5’s manifest for 2019–2022.

PlanValue 4.0May 24, 2019Crunch time: Rocket companies in all-out battle for Air Force award

By law the Air Force is allowed to purchase Atlas V launches until 2022-12-31 despite a Congressional mandate to stop using the vehicle because its main stage is powered by the Russian RD-180 engine.

LegalPlanValue 3.7May 7, 2019ULA CEO Bruno: Launch industry challenged by tougher national security missions

By law, the Department of Defense will not be allowed to buy Atlas 5 launches after 2022-12-31.

LegalPlanValue 3.8May 3, 2019Air Force requests bids for space launch services, will select two companies in 2020

Congress set a 2022-12-31 deadline for the Air Force to stop using the Atlas V which uses the RD-180 engine.

LegalPlanValue 4.2Apr 28, 2019Pushback continues as Air Force prepares to request bids for space launch services

An Atlas 5 in the 551 configuration launched the first four AEHF satellites in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2018.

PlanCapabilityGeneralValue 4.0Apr 24, 2019Cape Canaveral preparing for key military launches

The cost per 2012 Delta II launch of about $137,000,000 was close to the cost NASA paid for an entry-level Atlas V 401 launch and higher than the standard price for a Falcon 9 launch for NASA.

FinancialGeneralValue 4.0Apr 16, 2019Aerojet Rocketdyne proposes using AR1 for medium-class launch vehicle

Congress passed a law in 2015 that set a 2022 deadline for the Air Force to phase out United Launch Alliance’s Atlas 5 rocket powered by the Russian RD-180 engine.

LegalPlanValue 4.0Apr 14, 2019Air Force insists launch competition must stay on schedule

United Launch Alliance will begin flying Vulcan hardware on Atlas 5 rockets to give the next-generation Vulcan launcher flight heritage before Vulcan’s planned 2021 debut.

PlanGeneralValue 4.0Apr 8, 2019ULA to fly Vulcan technology on Atlas 5 to gain flight heritage

The first Atlas 5 launch using GEM-63 boosters is planned for 2020 after a September test firing prompted nozzle enhancements that delayed the first flight.

PlanCapabilityGeneralValue 4.0Apr 8, 2019ULA to fly Vulcan technology on Atlas 5 to gain flight heritage