Atlas V Completes Final Launch for National Reconnaissance Office

Kennedy Space Center, FL - December 19, 2022

United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched an Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on December 19, 2022, at 3:27 p.m. EST. This mission marked the 98th Atlas V launch overall and the final Atlas V launch for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

The Atlas V rocket launched the NROL-107 spacecraft, a national security payload for the NRO. NROL-107 is designed to support critical national security missions by providing vital intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

The Atlas V is an expendable launch system that has been used to launch a variety of payloads into orbit, including satellites, probes, and cargo modules. It is a highly reliable launch system with a success rate of over 99%. The Atlas V is powered by a common core booster and up to five solid rocket boosters. It can be configured to meet the specific requirements of each mission.

This launch was the last Atlas V launch for the NRO. The NRO is a U.S. government agency that operates the nation's intelligence satellites. The Atlas V has been a major launch vehicle for the NRO for many years, and it has helped to ensure the success of numerous national security missions.

With the completion of this launch, only two Atlas V rockets remain to be flown for customers other than the U.S. government.