Atlas V
The Atlas V is an expendable launch system originally designed by Lockheed Martin, now managed by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Here are some key points about the Atlas V:
Development and History
Design and Specifications
- The Atlas V uses a Common Core Booster (CCB) powered by the Russian-designed RD-180 engine, which burns kerosene and liquid oxygen.
- It features a modular design allowing for different payload fairings, solid rocket boosters (SRBs), and upper stages. The payload capacity ranges from 4,850 kg to 18,850 kg to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) depending on the configuration.
- The rocket can be configured in various versions, denoted by numbers like 401, 411, 421, 431, 501, 511, 521, 531, 541, and 551, where the first digit indicates the diameter of the payload fairing (4 or 5 meters), the second indicates the number of SRBs (0 to 5), and the third indicates the type of upper stage (1 for single-engine Centaur).
- The Centaur upper stage, also used on Atlas V, is powered by RL10 engines.
Notable Missions
Future and Variants
- ULA has developed the Vulcan Centaur, which will eventually replace the Atlas V due to the phasing out of the RD-180 engine for national security reasons.
Sources
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