Atlas V

Atlas V is an expendable launch system and the fifth major version in the Atlas launch vehicle family. It was originally designed by Lockheed Martin, now being operated by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Atlas V is also a major NASA launch vehicle. It is America's longest-serving active rocket. In August 2021, ULA announced that Atlas V would be retired, and all 29 remaining launches had been sold. As of 5 August 2022, 21 launches remain. Each Atlas V launch vehicle consists of two main stages. The first stage is powered by a Russian RD-180 engine manufactured by Energomash and burning kerosene and liquid oxygen. The Centaur upper stage is powered by one or two American RL10 engine manufactured by Aerojet Rocketdyne and burns liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The Star 48 upper stage was used on the New Horizons mission as a third stage. Strap-on solid rocket boosters are used in most configurations.

Read more in the app

Boeing's Starliner launch will be the 1st astronaut flight on an Atlas V rocket. How did NASA and ULA get it ready for crews? (exclusive)

Watch ULA assemble Atlas V rocket ahead of Boeing Starliner astronaut test flight (video)

NASA and Boeing Prep Starliner and Atlas V Rocket Prep for Historic ISS Journey

Boeing Starliner spacecraft rolls out to Atlas V rocket ahead of 1st astronaut launch (photos, video)

NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft roars into the blue sky aboard an Atlas V rocket on 19 January 2006 The first spacecraft to explore Pluto, it's moons, and Kuiper Belt Objects up close.

Kerbal Space Program 2 to feature Atlas V rocket launch audio

NOAA JPSS-2 Polar Satellite Launches on Powerful Atlas V 401 Rocket

Powerful JPSS-2 weather satellite launches with Mars heat shield test on final Atlas V flight from West Coast

Watch Atlas V rocket launch powerful JPSS-2 weather satellite early Thursday

Atlas V rocket launches 2 communications satellites to orbit

These Atlas V rocket Space Force launch photos and videos are simply epic

Atlas V rocket launches missile-detecting satellite for U.S. Space Force

Watch an Atlas V rocket launch a missile warning satellite for US Space Force on Thursday

Atlas V rocket launches classified missile-tracking satellite for US Space Force

Watch an Atlas V rocket launch a missile-warning satellite for the US military on Thursday

Vulcan vs Atlas V + How Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine Plays a Part

Boeing’s Orbital Flight Test-2 Starliner and Atlas V Rocket Roll Out To Launch Pad

Boeing's Starliner rolls to launch pad on Atlas V rocket for critical NASA test flight