Common Core Booster

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 Lockheed Martin (1998–2006)
United Launch Alliance (2006—)
Country of origin United States
Used on Atlas V (stage 1)
Atlas V Heavy (boosters, cancelled)
GX (stage 1, cancelled)
General characteristics
Height 32.46 metres (106.5 ft)
Diameter 3.81 metres (12.5 ft)
Gross mass 306,914 kilograms (676,630 lb)





Engine details
Engines One RD-180
Thrust 4,152 kilonewtons (933,000 lbf)
Burn time 253 seconds
Fuel LOX/RP-1

The Common Core Booster (CCB) is an American rocket stage, which is used as the first stage of the 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 programme was cancelled in late 2009.

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

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.[2] 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.[3] As of January 2015, the Atlas V has made fifty-two flights, all of which have used a single Common Core Booster.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Wade, Mark. "Atlas CCB". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  2. ↑ "Lockheed Martin's Atlas V RD-180 Engine Successfully Completes Testing Program". SpaceRef. 19 December 2001. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  3. ↑ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  4. ↑ Kyle, Ed. "Atlas 5 Launch Record". Space Launch Report. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
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