Engineering:Common Core Booster

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Short description: American rocket stage used as the first stage of the Atlas V Rocket
Common Core Booster
Atlas V AV-021 first stage erection.jpg
The CCB of Atlas V AV-021 is erected at the Vertical Integration Facility of SLC-41 ahead of the launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory
ManufacturerLockheed Martin (1998–2006)
United Launch Alliance (2006—)
Country of originUnited States
Used onAtlas V (stage 1)
Atlas V Heavy (boosters, cancelled)
GX (stage 1, cancelled)
General characteristics
Height32.46 m (106.5 ft)
Diameter3.81 m (12.5 ft)
Propellant mass284,089 kg (626,309 lb)
Empty mass21,054 kg (46,416 lb) (V 400 Series)
21,351 kg (47,071 lb) (V 500 Series) [1]
Propulsion
Engines1 RD-180
Thrust3,827 kN (860,000 lbf) (SL)
4,152 kN (933,000 lbf) (vac)
Burn time253 s
FuelLOX/RP-1

The Common Core Booster (CCB) is a rocket stage, which is used as the first stage of the American Atlas V rocket as part of its modular design. It was also intended that two additional CCBs would be used as boosters on the Atlas V Heavy, however this configuration has not been developed. Use of a Common Core Booster as the first stage of the Japan ese GX was also planned; however, this program was cancelled in late 2009.

The Common Core Booster is 32.46 m (106.5 ft) long, has a diameter of 3.81 m (12.5 ft) and is powered by a single RD-180 engine burning RP-1 and liquid oxygen.[2]

Testing of the CCB and its RD-180 engines was conducted in the United States at the Marshall Space Flight Center, and in Khimki, Russia . The test programme concluded with the final engine test in December 2001.[3] The first launch of a Common Core Booster was the maiden flight of the Atlas V, which was launched from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on 21 August 2002.[4] As of November 2020, the Atlas V has made 86 flights, all of which have used a single Common Core Booster.[5]

See also

References