OSIRIS-Rex to launch on Atlas V 411 in a month

First launch of the Atlas V 411 with the
ASTRA 1KR Satellite

With the days counting down until the launch of OSIRIS-Rex, United Launch Alliance's unusual looking rocket will carry the spacecraft into orbit on September 8th. The Atlas V in the 411 configuration is a regular Atlas V but with one solid rocket booster strapped to the side of it. The stacking of the rocket started yesterday morning with the first stage booster going onto the Mobile Launch Platform at Launch Complex 41. the single solid rocket booster will be attached today and the Centaur boattail will be attached on Wednesday. The initial power of up the rocket and its systems will take place on Thursday. The critical checkout of the vehicle will happen on Monday, Aug. 15th.