Summary Draft 1

ATLAS V ROCKET LAUNCH SYSTEM STAGE 1

The Atlas V is an expendable launch vehicle used in Mars missions and as its name suggests, fifth in the series. The Atlas V has different iterations, which have similar first stage launch sequences. The launch series consists of two stages and this summary aims to explain the functions and features which aid the first stage of launch.

 

The Atlas V rocket launch sequence begins and 2.7 seconds later, the main engine, RD-180, of the common core booster ignites. It is then followed by the ignition of four solid rocket boosters which launches the rocket off of its initial position. The rocket boosters run for over 90 seconds and jettison after 2 minutes 22 seconds. The main engine then drops the throttle via guidance computer as the rocket weight will drop from consumption of its liquid fuel. Second stage of launch will then proceed.

 

 

References

 

Clark, S 2019, ‘Atlas 5 launch timeline for Starliner’s Orbital Flight Test’, Spaceflight Now, accessed on 25 September 2021, < https://spaceflightnow.com/2019/12/19/atlas-5-launch-timeline-for-starliners-orbital-flight-test/#:~:text=The%20launch%20sequence%20begins%20with,1.6%20million%20pounds%20of%20thrust>

 

United Launch Alliance (n.d.), Stage 1: Atlas V Rocket, accessed on 25 September 2021, < https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/spacecraft/launch-vehicle/stage-1/>

 

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