Reader Response Draft 2.5

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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 can 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 (United Launch Alliance, n.d.). Afterwards, it will jettison and the rocket proceeds to the next stage of its launch sequence. The Atlas V rocket has a more efficient first stage launch compared to other rockets which is one of the reasons it has been so reliable.

The engine used for the Atlas V, RD-180, a powerful engine that can output thrust other rockets are unable to compete with. To put into perspective, NASA (n.d.) states that the RD-180 can output almost 3.8 million newtons of thrust and according to SpaceX (n.d.), their Falcon 9 uses an engine which is able to output 845, 000 newtons of thrust. The Falcon 9 being a competitor of Atlas V in the field of orbital class launch vehicles. A heavier and more powerful second stage is required for the Falcon 9 due to its less powerful first stage. Due to its more powerful initial launch on the first stage, the Atlas V does not require a very powerful second stage of launch compared to other rockets.

 

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 SpaceX's Falcon 9 has a lower cost to manufacture each rocket unit. Not only that, because the Falcon 9 is reusable, it is possible to use each unit for more than one launch mission. Should the Atlas V wish to compete, it would have to drop its launch price or manufacture 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. Howell (2018) mentions that the Atlas V is 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." 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

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

SpaceX. (n.d.), Falcon 9, https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/falcon-9/

 

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

 


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