ULA Atlas V Rocket Launching Saturday at 1:45 AM ET

The fifth Atlas V mission will lift off from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly textured, abstract painting in earthy tones of ochre, sage, and indigo, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex physics and natural forces involved in a rocket launch.An artist's interpretation of the structural forces and natural energy powering the upcoming Atlas V rocket launch from Cape Canaveral.Cape Canaveral Today

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) is set to launch its fifth Atlas V 551 rocket on Saturday at 1:45 AM ET from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket will carry the next batch of production satellites into orbit.

Why it matters

The Atlas V is one of the most powerful and reliable rockets in the ULA fleet, capable of delivering large payloads to orbit. This launch continues ULA's busy manifest of national security, civil, and commercial missions from the Florida Space Coast.

The details

The Atlas V 551 configuration features a 5-meter payload fairing, five solid rocket boosters, and a single-engine Centaur upper stage. This specific mission will deliver multiple satellites into orbit, though the exact payload has not been disclosed.

  • The launch is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2026 at 1:45 AM ET.
  • Live coverage of the launch will be available on Space Coast Daily TV.

The players

United Launch Alliance (ULA)

A joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing, ULA is one of the leading providers of launch services for the U.S. government.

Cape Canaveral

The launch will take place from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, a historic launch site that has hosted numerous high-profile missions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Following a successful liftoff, the Atlas V rocket's Centaur upper stage will deploy the satellites into their targeted orbits.

The takeaway

This Atlas V launch continues ULA's legacy of reliable and capable rocket operations, delivering critical payloads to space from the storied launch pads of Cape Canaveral.