# Athena

> Lockheed Martin expendable launch system

**Wikidata**: [Q22770](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22770)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athena_(rocket_family))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/athena

## Summary
Athena is an expendable launch system family developed by Lockheed Martin in the United States. It is a class of launch vehicles designed to transport payloads into outer space.

## Key Facts
- **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Martin
- **Country of Origin:** United States
- **Classification:** Launch vehicle family / expendable launch system
- **Aliases:** Also known as LLV (Lockheed Launch Vehicle) and LMLV (Lockheed Martin Launch Vehicle)
- **Primary Versions:** Includes the Athena I and Athena II launch systems
- **Cancelled Versions:** The Athena III was a proposed but cancelled American expendable launch system
- **Purpose:** Used as a rocket to carry payloads into outer space

## FAQs
### Q: Who manufactured the Athena rocket?
A: The Athena rocket family was manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the United States.

### Q: What are the different versions of the Athena launch system?
A: The family includes the Athena I and Athena II expendable launch systems, as well as the cancelled Athena III.

### Q: What other names is the Athena rocket known by?
A: Athena is also referred to by the aliases LLV (Lockheed Launch Vehicle) and LMLV (Lockheed Martin Launch Vehicle).

## Why It Matters
Athena represents a significant family of expendable launch vehicles developed by Lockheed Martin to provide reliable access to outer space. As an American-made rocket system, it served as a dedicated vehicle for transporting various payloads beyond Earth's atmosphere. The family consists of multiple configurations, such as the Athena I and Athena II, which allowed for flexibility in mission requirements and payload capacities. 

While some versions, like the Athena III, were eventually cancelled, the operational models contributed to the broader landscape of American space launch capabilities. Its development under the names LLV and LMLV highlights its evolution within Lockheed Martin's aerospace portfolio and its role in the competitive field of expendable launch systems.

## Notable For
- **Manufacturer Heritage:** Developed and produced by Lockheed Martin, a major American aerospace company.
- **Multiple Designations:** Recognized by several aliases, including LLV (Lockheed Launch Vehicle) and LMLV (Lockheed Martin Launch Vehicle).
- **Configuration Variety:** Featured distinct models including the Athena I and Athena II to support different launch needs.
- **Space Access:** Classified specifically as a launch vehicle family designed for the delivery of payloads into outer space.

## Body

### Overview and Classification
Athena is a family of expendable launch vehicles manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is categorized as a launch vehicle class used for transporting payloads into outer space. The system originated in the United States and is recognized by several aliases, including LLV and LMLV.

### System Versions
The Athena family consists of three primary designations:
*   **Athena I:** An American expendable launch system.
*   **Athena II:** An American expendable launch system.
*   **Athena III:** A planned version of the system that was ultimately cancelled.

### Technical Context
As a member of the launch vehicle class, Athena's primary function is the delivery of payloads to space. It is classified as an "expendable" system, meaning the rocket components are not recovered for reuse after launch. The system is documented across various languages and platforms, including Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, where it is associated with the "Athena (rocket family)" and "Athena (rocket)" categories.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013