This is a 1:15 scale model of one of the five versions of the Atlas V expendable launch vehicle, one of two families of rockets that have placed all medium and heavy U.S. government payloads in space since 2006. Since its creation that year, United Launch Alliance has built and launched Atlas Vs.

To provide maximum flexibility and capability, the Atlas V uses many common components. Each version carries a three-digit designation. The first digit indicates the payload fairing diameter in meters; the second, the number of solid rocket boosters; and the third, the number of Centaur engines. This Atlas V is a version 431.

United Launch Alliance made and donated the model to the Museum in 2011.