Atlas V is an expendable launch system, the fifth major version of the Atlas launch vehicle family. It was developed by Lockheed Martin as part of the United States Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle program, flew for the first time on August 21, 2002, and has been operated by United Launch Alliance since 2006. Each vehicle has two main stages: a first stage, the Common Core Booster, powered by one Russian-made RD-180 engine burning kerosene and liquid oxygen, and a Centaur upper stage with one or two RL10 engines burning liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, with strap-on solid rocket boosters in several configurations. It launched payloads for the Department of Defense, NASA and commercial customers, and it carried the first Boeing Starliner crew mission in June 2024. ULA announced in August 2021 that Atlas V would be retired, with Vulcan Centaur as its successor.
Facts
Engine Class Connections
Exemplifies
Source Atlas V (Wikipedia)
Of Make
Source Atlas V (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases
Same As
Also in Space and Astronomy Atlas: the same subject.
Manufactured By
Also in Business Atlas: the manufacturer of this subject.
Source United Launch Alliance (Wikipedia)Lead, inherited rocketsQuote, Lead, inherited rockets
When founded, the company inherited the Atlas V rocket from Lockheed Martin and the Delta rocket family from Boeing.
Originated In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject originated.
Source Atlas V (Wikipedia)Vehicle description, programQuote, Vehicle description, program
The Atlas V was developed by Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services (LMCLS) as part of the U.S. Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program
Sources
1. Atlas V (Wikipedia)
Vehicle description, first flight
made its inaugural flight on August 21, 2002.
Lead, service
Atlas V is the longest-serving active rocket in the United States.
Lead, first stage fuel
The first stage is powered by a single Russian-made RD-180 engine that burns kerosene and liquid oxygen.
Lead, upper stage fuel
The Centaur upper stage uses one or two American-made Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engines that burn liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.
Vehicle description, program
The Atlas V was developed by Lockheed Martin Commercial Launch Services (LMCLS) as part of the U.S. Air Force Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program
Of Make: United Launch Alliance, Lead, operator
has been operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA) since 2006
In Group: Orbital Launch Vehicles, Lead, vehicle class
Atlas V is an expendable launch system and the fifth major version in the Atlas launch vehicle family.
Exemplifies: Orbital Spaceflight, Centaur III upper stage, orbit insertion
making possible insertion into low Earth parking orbit
View the SourceUnited Launch Alliance (Wikipedia)
Lead, inherited rocketsQuote, Lead, inherited rockets
When founded, the company inherited the Atlas V rocket from Lockheed Martin and the Delta rocket family from Boeing.
Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.