Atlas V

The Atlas V is an expendable launch system in the Atlas rocket family. It is operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The Atlas V evolved from the earlier Atlas family of rockets, incorporating improvements in engine technology, structure, and avionics.

The rocket is primarily known for its reliability and its ability to launch a variety of payloads, including satellites for national security, scientific missions, and commercial purposes. It has been used to launch probes to Mars, Jupiter, and other destinations in the solar system, as well as crucial components for the International Space Station.

The Atlas V family offers several different configurations, designated by a numerical code that describes the rocket's components. The first digit indicates the diameter of the fairing (payload shroud), the second digit represents the number of solid rocket boosters (SRBs) attached to the Common Core Booster (CCB), and the third digit represents the number of engines on the Centaur upper stage. For example, an Atlas V 401 configuration has a 4-meter fairing, no SRBs, and a single-engine Centaur. Configurations can range from the heavy-lift variant capable of launching large payloads to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) to smaller variants suited for lower-mass payloads.

The Common Core Booster (CCB) is the first stage of the Atlas V and is powered by a single RD-180 engine, which burns kerosene and liquid oxygen. The Centaur upper stage, powered by either one or two RL10 engines (depending on the configuration), provides the final boost to place payloads into their desired orbits. The Centaur uses liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen as propellant.

The Atlas V has been a significant workhorse for U.S. space launch capabilities, offering a dependable and versatile platform for a wide range of missions. It is scheduled to be replaced by the Vulcan Centaur rocket in the coming years.