Final flight of the Atlas V‑551 configuration
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to conduct the last mission using its Atlas V‑551 launch vehicle. The rocket will launch early Wednesday morning from Pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, delivering the final payload for Amazon’s Leo satellite program.
Launch schedule and payload
The lift‑off is scheduled for 12:30:15 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (04:30:15 UTC). The vehicle will carry the Leo Atlas 8 satellite, which forms part of Amazon’s expanding broadband internet constellation.
Implications for the space sector
This flight marks the end of ULA’s use of the 5‑M‑1 configuration, a workhorse that has served multiple missions over the years. Its conclusion signals a shift toward newer launch systems while highlighting the growing demand for satellite‑based global internet services.
Technical specifications
- Launch vehicle: Atlas V 551
- Launch site: Pad 41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Launch time: 12:30:15 EDT / 04:30:15 UTC
- Payload: Leo Atlas 8, part of Amazon’s Leo broadband satellite constellation
Future outlook
Following this final Atlas V launch, ULA is expected to transition to newer rockets such as the Vulcan‑Centaur for upcoming missions. For Amazon, the successful deployment of Leo Atlas 8 brings the company closer to delivering high‑speed internet coverage worldwide.