Atlas V

Atlas V, developed and operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA), based in the United States, is an expendable launch system that has been used for various satellite missions and space exploration since the early 21st century. This rocket is a member of the Atlas rocket family developed by Lockheed Martin and was designed with a focus on reliability and flexibility.

Development Process and Historical Background

Atlas V originated in the late 1990s as part of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program developed by Lockheed Martin. This program aimed to replace the aging launch systems of the U.S. Air Force with cost-effective and modular rockets.

Its maiden launch took place on August 21, 2002, and since then, it has been used in numerous civilian, military, and scientific missions. In 2006, Lockheed Martin's Atlas V program merged with Boeing’s Delta IV program, leading to the formation of ULA. Since then, Atlas V has continued to serve under ULA.

Technical Specifications

Structure and Configurations

Atlas V has a modular structure and can be launched in various configurations depending on mission requirements. The rocket's naming convention typically follows the “Atlas V XYZ” format:

• X: Indicates the diameter of the payload fairing (usually 4 or 5 meters).
• Y: Denotes the number of solid rocket boosters (ranging from 0 to 5).
• Z: Refers to the number of Centaur upper stage engines (typically 1 or 2).

First Stage (Common Core Booster)

• Height: Approximately 32.5 meters
• Diameter: 3.81 meters
• Engine: RD-180, dual-chamber liquid-fueled engine
• Fuel Type: RP-1 (refined kerosene) and liquid oxygen (LOX)
• Thrust: Approximately 3.83 MN (megaNewtons)

The RD-180 engine is manufactured by Russia-based NPO Energomash and provides high-efficiency thrust for Atlas V.

Second Stage (Centaur Upper Stage)

• Engine: Single or dual RL10C engines
• Fuel Type: Liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX)
• Thrust: Approximately 100–200 kN
• Restart Capability: Multiple restart capability depending on the mission profile.

Payload Fairing

Payload fairings are produced in different diameters (4 meters or 5 meters). The 5-meter version is preferred for bulkier satellites or multi-payload missions.

Mission Profiles and Applications

Military Applications

Atlas V has been used for numerous national security missions by the U.S. Department of Defense. These missions have typically involved reconnaissance satellites, communication satellites, and missile early warning systems operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

Civilian and Scientific Applications

NASA has employed Atlas V in many scientific missions, including:

• Mars Science Laboratory (MSL): The Curiosity rover was launched to Mars in 2011 using the Atlas V 541 configuration.
• Landsat 8: Serves as an Earth observation satellite.
• Solar Orbiter: A scientific mission designed to study the Sun’s polar regions.

Commercial Missions

ULA has also used Atlas V to launch communication and navigation satellites for various commercial clients. It has been particularly favored for its ability to place satellites into geosynchronous (GEO) orbit.

Performance Capabilities

The carrying capacity of Atlas V varies depending on the configuration. Some example values are:

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): 9,800 – 18,850 kg
• Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO): 4,750 – 8,900 kg
• Mars Transfer Orbit: Approximately 3,800 kg

These figures demonstrate the suitability of Atlas V for a range of mission types.

Reliability and Operational Success

As of 2025, Atlas V has completed over 90 launches. The vast majority of these missions have been successfully executed. The success rate exceeds 98%, which is considered a high reliability indicator among modern launch systems.

The Future of Atlas V

During the 2020s, ULA developed the Vulcan Centaur, a next-generation rocket intended to replace Atlas V. Due to the RD-180 engines being sourced from Russia, the U.S. government has planned for Atlas V’s retirement in the medium term. Vulcan is being developed with domestic components and at a lower cost, aiming to take over Atlas V’s missions.

Atlas V has successfully served a wide array of space missions for over two decades, standing out as a highly reliable and modular launch vehicle. Playing a vital role in both defense and scientific endeavors, this system is now preparing to make way for next-generation rocket technologies. Nevertheless, it has left a significant and strategic mark in the history of space exploration.