Atlas V N22 | Starliner-3

Atlas V N22 Launches Starliner-3: Advancing Crewed Missions to the ISS

On December 31, 2026, the Atlas V N22 rocket thundered into the sky from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying the Starliner-3 spacecraft on its third crewed operational mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This flight, part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, underscores a pivotal step in reliable human spaceflight, ferrying astronauts to conduct scientific research and maintain the orbiting laboratory.

The primary objectives of Starliner-3 center on transporting a crew of four astronauts—two from NASA and two international partners—to the ISS for a six-month rotation. The mission emphasizes routine crew rotations, enabling long-duration stays that support experiments in microgravity, such as studies on human health, materials science, and Earth observation. The Starliner spacecraft itself boasts impressive payload capabilities, with a pressurized crew module accommodating up to seven passengers, though typically configured for four on ISS missions. It can carry approximately 2,500 kilograms of cargo, including scientific instruments, supplies, and emergency provisions. Designed for reusability, the capsule features advanced abort systems for crew safety and solar arrays generating up to 3 kilowatts of power, allowing autonomous operations for up to 60 hours during docking maneuvers. This payload versatility not only sustains ISS operations but also paves the way for future commercial space stations.

At the heart of the launch is the Atlas V N22 rocket, a two-stage vehicle developed by United Launch Alliance (ULA). Standing 58 meters tall with a diameter of 3.8 meters, it weighs about 590,000 kilograms at liftoff. The first stage is powered by a Russian-built RD-180 engine, delivering 3.8 meganewtons of thrust using kerosene and liquid oxygen. Augmented by two solid rocket boosters from Aerojet Rocketdyne, it achieves enhanced lift for heavier payloads. The upper Centaur stage employs an RL10 engine fueled by liquid hydrogen and oxygen, providing precise orbital insertion. The N22 configuration—indicating no fairing, two solid boosters, and a dual-engine Centaur—optimizes for crewed missions, incorporating human-rating certifications like redundant systems and fault-tolerant avionics to minimize risks.

The Atlas V family has a storied performance history, with over 100 successful launches since its debut in 2002. It has delivered payloads for NASA, the U.S. military, and commercial clients, including Mars rovers like