The sixth Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite, the final release of a military communication satellite placed atop United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket of the U.S. Space Force had a successful launch on March 26. This marked the 500^th flight of the RL10 upper-stage engine from Aerojet Rocketdyne.  

Apparently, the RL10 helps power the Centaur upper stage for ULA Atlas V and has been one of the multiple Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion products that have supported the mission. The Aerojet Rocketdyne propulsion is usually found on both the AEHF-6 satellite and the rocket. The AFH satellites that were built by Lockheed Martin, provide jam-proof, secure communications, which includes a nuclear control and command to the allied forces and the U.S.

CEO and president of Aerojet Rocketdyne, Eileen Drake commented that the launch has marked a significant milestone for both Aerojet Rocketdyne as well as for the country. The RL10 has been supporting most of the country’s vital scientific missions and for national security, as every AEHF satellites will be providing communication links that would be important to the warfighters.

Reportedly, the Atlas V within the 551 configuration has been considered as the most powerful vehicle found in the family Atlas V, that features approximately five of the Aerojet Rocketdyne AJ-60A, a compact strap-on motor. Each motor will generate 348,500 pounds of thrust. These motors have been designed to offer additional lifting power to Atlas V, it is happens to be the largest monolithic and solid rocket motor in the world to have been flown.

The Atlas V tends to use Aerojet Rocketdyne’s reaction control thrusters upon Centaur upper stage along with the pressure vessels that are provided by ARDE, which is an Aerojet Rocketdyne subsidiary. The rocket had been launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida while the AEHF-6 satellite is moving towards its operating location in the geostationary orbit.

The RL10 has proven its reliability for five decades and more and helped make the upper-stage engine as the engine of choice for the upcoming three rockets that are undergoing development.

Source Credit -https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/03/27/2007390/0/en/AEHF-6-Launch-Marks-500th-Flight-of-Aerojet-Rocketdyne-s-RL10-Engine.html