Common Core Booster

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 program was cancelled in late 2009.

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
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)
Gross mass306,914 kg (676,630 lb)
Atlas V CCB
Engines1 RD-180
Thrust4,152 kN (933,000 lbf)
Burn time253 s
FuelLOX/RP-1

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.[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 52 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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