Launch Preview: ULA Set To Launch USSF-51 Aboard Atlas V Tomorrow

United Launch Alliance is planning to launch an Atlas V tomorrow morning from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The launch window opens at 06:45 AM EDT and extends to 11:45 AM the same day.

The payload for this mission is classified and is for the United States Space Force’s Space Systems Command (SSC). No other information is publicly available.

In their press materials, ULA notes that “The Atlas V USSF-51 mission on Tuesday is the 100th ULA launch dedicated to national security.” They also note that this is the last national security mission for Atlas V, and that future missions will be aboard the company’s new rocket, Vulcan.

At A Glance

• Mission: USSF-51
• Date: NET July 30, 2024
• Launch Window: 06:45 AM – 11:45 AM EDT*
• Weather: 80% Go during the primary launch window
• Organization: United Launch Alliance
• Rocket: Atlas V 551
• Trajectory: Easterward
• Launch Site: SLC-41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
• Booster Landing: None
• Payload: Classified
• Destination: Classified
  
  ^{* consult ULA website for the specific target for T-0.}

Mission Profile

Weather

The 45th Weather Squadron has released their weather forecast, and it’s a good one as far as launches go: only a 20% probability of violation, meaning the forecasters expect an 80% chance of acceptable weather during the launch window.

The 45th’s main concerns are, “The possibility of showers and an isolated thunderstorm near or just off the Spaceport coast in the mornings Tuesday and Wednesday. The Cumulus Cloud Rule and Anvil Cloud Rules are the concerns for the primary launch window and Cumulus Cloud Rule is the concern for the backup launch window.”

Trajectory

The rocket’s trajectory will be East-Southeast as it rises, effectively straight away from the coast if you are facing the Atlantic Ocean in Florida.

Online Viewing

United Launch Alliance will have a live feed of the launch beginning at 06:25 AM EDT

Spaceflight Now will have coverage of the launch starting about one hour before liftoff on Youtube: link

For official updates regarding launch times, ULALaunch.com is the best source of information.

Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.

Next Space Launch an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play.

Launch Viewing: In Person

This morning’s planned launch is from SLC-41, on the south side of the Eastern Range (KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station combined.) The southern parks in Titusville on Washington Avenue and FL-528/A1A in Cape Canaveral are the best spots to watch liftoff directly.

• Banana River Bridge on FL-528 W in Cape Canaveral
• Kennedy Point Park in Titusville
• Rotary Riverfront Park in Titusville

Restaurants With Good Launch Views

Given the early hours of the launch window (0:645AM – 11:45AM EDT) these restaurants may not be open for launch viewing. Later in the day, all three may well be, so if you are interested, be sure to call ahead to make sure they’ll be ready to serve you.

• The Space Bar ($$$) – atop the Courtyard Marriott near Kennedy Parkway
• New York New York ($$) – on the Indian River with an outdoor seating area. Is family-friendly.
• Shiloh’s ($$$) — located on the Indian River with an outdoor deck overlooking KSC/CCSFS

Indirect Views

There are several excellent viewing spots for SLC-41 launches that offer indirect views — meaning you won’t see the rocket until it clears obstructions such as trees, buildings, even a storm berm in one case.

• Jetty Park, Port Canaveral
  • Fee required, much be purchased in advance: Port Canaveral Store
  • It’s very possible to see a cruise ship coming or going.
  • The pier especially has great views
• Cocoa Beach
  • Parking fees (probably). Pay with your smartphone on the parking app. There are signs everywhere telling you how.
  • Further away, but still good views.
• Northern Titusville Parks
  • Further away, but really nice views.

Playalinda Beach

Playalinda Beach out on the Cape Canaveral National Seashore will be open to spectators at 6:00 AM EDT, that is if KSC Security and the National Park Service allow viewers for the launch. That’s a bit tight for a 06:45 AM launch, but this may be an option available to you. I cannot stress this enough: Call ahead to be sure.

Cape Canaveral National Seashore • Playalinda Beach
Phone: (386) 428-3384 x0
Current operating hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM

If you are going to Playalinda, and if it is open, remember these general tips. Some may not apply to this particular launch.

• Get there at least two hours early, or better, earlier than that. Lines are long at the entry gate and they will only allow as many spectator vehicles as there are parking space available.
• If the launch L-0 time is moved to after 8PM, you must leave Playalinda, as the National Park Service is very strict about closing hours.
• Cape Canaveral National Seashore has a fee to get in and cash is not accepted. Debit and credit cards are okay, or if you have one of the National Park Service’s passes for the Seashore or the National Parks, that will work as well.
• Cellphone service is spotty at best and often non-existent at Playalinda. Don’t count on your cellphone to keep up with the launch; you might get a signal, or you might not.
• You are not allowed to view from the pullouts on Beach Road. Stanchions will block them. You’ll have to park and go to the beach.
• Refreshments are not available. There are no stores at Cape Canaveral National Seashore, so you’ll need to bring drinks and food if you want any while you’re there.
• Rangers will keep you back a certain distance from the launch area on the beach. Even if the beach is open, you’ll still be unable to go down to the fence that demarcates the normal security zone. There’s a line that spectators can’t go past somewhat north of the fence. That’s for safety and security.

Be prepared for potential changes or pushbacks in the launch schedule, and keep up by monitoring the live stream links mentioned above.

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