Atlas V Rocket Launching New Horizons Mission - NASA Space Exploration #1981289 (License: Personal Use)

This image captures the United Launch Alliance Atlas V 551 rocket-designated AV-010-preparing for the New Horizons mission to Pluto in January 2006. Its distinctive copper-colored Common Core Booster and five solid rocket boosters are visible, alongside mission insignia, NASA and USAF branding, and Lockheed Martin markings on the service tower. The launch occurred from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, marking humanity’s fastest departure from Earth at the time.

Used on space agency websites, educational platforms, and aerospace history pages to illustrate planetary exploration missions, rocket engineering, or NASA-USAF collaboration. Matches user intent for learning about New Horizons, launch vehicles, or spaceflight milestones.