UNITED LAUNCH ALLIANCE
Atlas V 531 | AEHF-3 (USA-246)
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Sep 18, 2013 at 08:10 UTC
▸ Flight profile›
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Source
PADSpace Launch Complex 41
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITGeostationary Transfer Orbit
TYPECommunications
MISSION OVERVIEW
This is the third satellite in the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system, which is a series of communications satellites operated by the United States Air Force Space Command. It provides global, survivable, protected communications capabilities for strategic command and tactical warfighters operating on ground, sea and air platforms.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas V 531AGENCY
United Launch AllianceMISSION
AEHF-3 (USA-246)
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Geostationary Transfer Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 41LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 682c07ca-8f04-4a38-bfea-7272a9714cad
Reported date: Sep 18, 2013 at 08:10 UTC
Last synced: 13 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Atlas V 531 →
MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
531
FLIGHTS
5
SUCCESSES
5
SUCCESS RATE
100%
Atlas V with 5m Fairing, 3 SRB, 1 Centaur upper stage engine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas V 531 | AEHF-3 (USA-246) launch?
The Atlas V 531 | AEHF-3 (USA-246) is scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 8:10 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for AEHF-3 (USA-246)?
The Atlas V 531 | AEHF-3 (USA-246) mission uses the Atlas V 531 rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Atlas V 531 has flown 5 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas V 531 | AEHF-3 (USA-246) launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is AEHF-3 (USA-246) going to?
The AEHF-3 (USA-246) mission is targeting Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
Who is launching AEHF-3 (USA-246)?
The Atlas V 531 | AEHF-3 (USA-246) is operated by United Launch Alliance.
Can I watch the Atlas V 531 | AEHF-3 (USA-246) launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch date set: Sep 18, 2013 at 08:10 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United Launch Alliance
Mar 29, 2026 00:03 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 13 minutes ago
●Launch Library 213 minutes ago
Launch ID: 682c07ca-8f04-4a38-bfea-7272a9714cad
●Open-Meteo Weather24 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.58, -80.58
Mission Profile
AEHF-3 (USA-246) was a Atlas V 531 mission operated by United Launch Alliance that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on September 18, 2013. The flight carried its payload on a communications mission to Geostationary Transfer Orbit. The launch was a success.