The sequence of events in a typical Atlas Centaur launch.

The first solid-rocket booster (SRB) assists the booster and sustainer engines at liftoff. The booster engine cuts off approximately 164.7 seconds into the flight and is jettisoned roughly 3 seconds later. The payload fairing is jettisoned about 233.5 seconds into flight. The sustainer engine cuts off at about 281.6 seconds into flight, followed by separation of the Centaur upper stage about 2 seconds later. The Centaur's main engine starts at about 300.2 seconds into flight and cuts off about 307 seconds later. After a coast phase, the Centaur main engine starts up again about 1337 seconds into flight, and cuts off at about 1423.4 seconds into flight. Spacecraft separation begins about 175 seconds afterward.