# Athena II

> American expendable launch system

**Wikidata**: [Q22791](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22791)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athena_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/athena-ii

## Summary
Athena II was an American expendable launch system developed by Lockheed Martin, based on the LGM-118 Peacekeeper missile. It was designed to launch small satellites into low Earth orbit and was operational from 1998 to 1999. The system had a gross weight of 120,700 kg and could carry payloads of up to 2,065 kg.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: American expendable launch system
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin
- **Based on**: LGM-118 Peacekeeper missile
- **Gross weight**: 120,700 kg
- **Height**: 28.2 meters
- **Diameter**: 2.36 meters
- **Payload capacity**: 2,065 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO)
- **Service period**: 1998–1999
- **Price**: $28 million (2000)
- **Components**: Two Castor 120 solid rocket boosters, Orbus-21 upper stage, optional OAM (Orbital Adjustment Module)
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Aliases**: Athena-2, LLV-2, Lockheed Launch Vehicle-2, LMLV-2

## FAQs
### Q: What was the primary purpose of Athena II?
A: Athena II was designed to launch small satellites into low Earth orbit, including commercial and scientific missions.

### Q: How many flights did Athena II complete?
A: Athena II conducted two successful flights, launching the Lunar Prospector and Ikonos satellites.

### Q: What was the payload capacity of Athena II?
A: Athena II could carry up to 2,065 kg to low Earth orbit and 1,165 kg to a Sun-synchronous orbit.

### Q: What was the cost of an Athena II launch?
A: The cost of an Athena II launch was approximately $28 million in 2000.

### Q: What was the retirement date of Athena II?
A: Athena II was retired on September 24, 1999, after two successful missions.

## Why It Matters
Athena II was a key development in the commercial space launch industry, offering a cost-effective solution for deploying small satellites. Its two successful flights—launching NASA’s Lunar Prospector and the commercial Ikonos satellite—demonstrated its reliability and versatility. By repurposing the Peacekeeper missile, Lockheed Martin provided a low-cost alternative to traditional launch systems, contributing to the growing trend of commercial space ventures in the late 1990s. Despite its brief operational period, Athena II played a significant role in advancing satellite deployment technologies and setting the stage for future small satellite launch vehicles.

## Notable For
- **First commercial use of a Peacekeeper-derived launch vehicle**: Athena II was the first system to successfully repurpose the LGM-118 missile for civilian space missions.
- **Dual mission success**: It launched both NASA’s Lunar Prospector and the commercial Ikonos satellite, showcasing its adaptability.
- **Cost-efficient design**: With a launch cost of $28 million, it offered a more affordable option compared to traditional launch systems.
- **Short operational lifespan**: Despite its achievements, Athena II was retired after just two flights, highlighting the challenges of maintaining such niche launch systems.

## Body
### Overview
Athena II was an American expendable launch system developed by Lockheed Martin, based on the LGM-118 Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile. It was designed to provide a low-cost alternative for launching small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). The system entered service on January 7, 1998, and was retired on September 24, 1999, after two successful flights.

### Design and Specifications
Athena II had a gross weight of 120,700 kg, a height of 28.2 meters, and a diameter of 2.36 meters. It consisted of two Castor 120 solid rocket boosters, an Orbus-21 upper stage, and an optional Orbital Adjustment Module (OAM). The system could carry payloads of up to 2,065 kg to LEO and 1,165 kg to a Sun-synchronous orbit. The launch cost was approximately $28 million in 2000.

### Missions
Athena II conducted two successful missions:
1. **Lunar Prospector**: Launched on January 6, 1998, to investigate the Moon’s polar regions.
2. **Ikonos**: Launched on September 24, 1999, to deploy the commercial Earth observation satellite.

### Legacy
Athena II was a pioneering effort in commercial space launch, demonstrating the feasibility of repurposing military hardware for civilian missions. Its brief but successful operational period laid the groundwork for future small satellite launch vehicles. Despite its retirement, Athena II remains a notable example of cost-effective space launch technology.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/athena-llv.htm)
2. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/a/athena-2.html)