What is Atlas V?
Q: What is Atlas V?
A: Atlas V is an orbital launch vehicle used by the United Launch Alliance (made of two companies, Boeing and Lockheed Martin) to place satellites into orbit.
Q: How tall and wide is Atlas V?
A: Atlas V is 58.3 metres (191 feet) tall, and 3.81 metres (12.5 feet) wide.
Q: When was its first flight?
A: Its first flight was on August 21, 2002.
Q: Is it related to the Space Shuttle?
A: No, unlike the Space Shuttle, Atlas V is only used once with a new rocket being built for each flight.
Q: What does the first stage of Atlas V consist of?
A: The first stage consists of a Common Core Booster with an RD-180 engine from Russia. Every Atlas V has this as the first stage.
Q: What does the second stage consist of?
A: The second stage is called Centaur and has one/two RL-10 engines from Aerojet Rocketdyne.
Q: Does it have a fairing covering during launch?
A Yes, on top there is a 4–5-metre (13–16-foot) wide fairing covering the spacecraft during launch
