Common Core Booster

This article is about Atlas V first stage. For the Delta IV booster, see Common Booster Core.
Common Core Booster
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
Manufacturer
Country of originUnited States
Used onAtlas V
General characteristics
Height32.46 m (106.5 ft)
Diameter3.81 m (12.5 ft)
Propellant mass284,089 kg (626,309 lb)
Empty mass
  • 21,054 kg (46,416 lb) (V 400 series)
  • 21,351 kg (47,071 lb) (V 500 series)[1]
Propulsion
Powered by1× RD-180
Maximum thrust3,827 kN (860,000 lbf) (SL)
4,152 kN (933,000 lbf) (vac)
Burn time253 s
PropellantLOX/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 Japanese 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]

  1. ^ "Atlas 5 Launch Services User's Guide" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  2. ^ Wade, Mark. "Atlas CCB". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on August 29, 2002. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  3. ^ "Lockheed Martin's Atlas V RD-180 Engine Successfully Completes Testing Program". SpaceRef. 19 December 2001. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  4. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  5. ^ Kyle, Ed. "Atlas 5 Launch Record". Space Launch Report. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)