Reader Response Draft 2

 The article "Atlas 5 launch timeline for Starliner’s Orbital Flight Test" (2019), briefly introduces Atlas V, an expendable launch vehicle for payloads, and its launch sequence. The rocket is used for payload missions and its functions and features allow it to properly carry out its missions. 

According to NASA (n.d.), the Atlas V features a common core booster powered by a main engine called "RD-180", and several additional rocket boosters. The common core booster functions to propel the rocket. It stands at 32.46 meters, 3.81 meters, and is able to provide up to 3.8 million newtons of thrust by itself. The RD-180 engine is further controlled by another feature, a guidance computer, during launch (Clark, 2019). The function of the solid rocket boosters is to provide additional thrust, approximately 1.36 million newtons per booster, at liftoff from its initial grounded position and an Atlas V can hold up to 5 additional boosters (ULA, n.d.). Afterwards, it will jettison and the rocket proceeds to the next stage of its launch sequence.

From my research in this piece of technology, Atlas V launch vehicle has perfected its launch sequence making it one of the most reliable rocket that is available. The rocket has constantly been used for various payload missions, such as interplanetary missions, cargo runs to the International Space Station, and military cargo (Howell, 2018). Howell (2018) also mentions that the Atlas V is actually known to have an accomplished record with consecutive successes and no total failures. By no total failures, it means there were deviations, that in the end did not affect the end results for the objective.  Even as of this year, the Atlas V has been the most dependable. According to Famous Rockets (2021), "Atlas V is one of most reliable launch vehicle of NASA with 86 out of 87 successful launch and is still active, with the last launch on 18th May, 2021." 

However, as an expendable launch vehicle, it is as its name implies, expendable. The cost of using rockets that are not reusable are surely much higher than those that are reusable. Roullete (2021) states that the rocket in fact has a competitor, SpaceX's Falcon 9, which is a reusable rocket that is also lower cost to manufacture. Should the Atlas V wish to compete, it would have to drop its launch price substantially. 

Although the cost may be a drawback when deciding to launch using the Atlas V, it does not take away the fact that the Atlas V maintains to be the most reliable launch vehicle with its decade long history of successful missions. The features that aid the rocket in its launch may be expensive, but its reliability is something that has been proven on multiple occasions.

References

 

Clark, S. (2019), Atlas 5 launch timeline for Starliner’s Orbital Flight Test, 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

 

NASA. (n.d.), Stage 1: Atlas V Rocket, https://mars.nasa.gov/msl/spacecraft/launch-vehicle/stage-1/

United Launch Alliance. (n.d.), Atlas V, https://www.ulalaunch.com/rockets/atlas-v

Howell, E. (2018), Atlas V: Reliable, Flexible Rocket,  https://www.space.com/40250-atlas-v-rocket.html

Famous Rockets. (2021), Atlas V: The rocket with success rate of 99%!,  https://www.thespacetechie.com/atlas-v-the-rocket-with-success-rate-of-99/#:~:text=Atlas%20V%20is%20one%20of,launch%20on%2018th%20May%2C%202021.

Roullete, J. (2021), ULA stops selling its centerpiece Atlas V, setting path for the rocket's retirement,  https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/26/22641048/ula-boeing-lockheed-end-sales-atlas-v-rocket-russia-rd180