# Atlas II > American expendable launch system **Wikidata**: [Q23600](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q23600) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_II) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlas-ii ## Summary Atlas II was an American expendable launch system developed as part of the Atlas rocket family, designed to carry moderate payloads to low-Earth orbit. It served as a medium-lift launch vehicle, primarily used for deploying communications satellites and scientific missions between 1991 and 1998. ## Key Facts - **Type**: American expendable launch system - **Classifications**: Part of the Atlas family, medium-lift launch vehicle - **First flight**: December 7, 1991 - **Service retirement**: March 16, 1998 - **Height**: 47.54 meters - **Diameter**: 3.04 meters - **Manufacturers**: - General Dynamics (1991–1993) - Martin Marietta (1993–1995) - Lockheed Martin (1995–1998) - **Country of origin**: United States - **Aliases**: Atlas 2, 宇宙神-2AS - **Notable payloads**: Communications satellites (e.g., Eutelsat 48A, AMC-3, Intelsat 805) and scientific missions (e.g., Terra, Solar and Heliospheric Observatory) - **Wikipedia languages**: Available in 15 languages (English, Japanese, German, etc.) - **Commons category**: Atlas II ## FAQs **What was the primary purpose of Atlas II?** Atlas II was designed to launch moderate payloads, primarily communications satellites and scientific missions, into low-Earth orbit. It served as a medium-lift launch vehicle, bridging the gap between smaller and larger rockets of the time. **Who manufactured Atlas II, and when?** Atlas II was manufactured by three companies over its operational period: General Dynamics (1991–1993), Martin Marietta (1993–1995), and Lockheed Martin (1995–1998). Each company took over production during different phases of the rocket's development. **What were some of Atlas II's most notable payloads?** Atlas II launched several high-profile missions, including the Terra climate research satellite, the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, and numerous communications satellites like Eutelsat 48A, AMC-3, and Intelsat 805. **How long was Atlas II in service?** Atlas II was operational from its first flight on December 7, 1991, until its retirement on March 16, 1998, a span of approximately seven years. **What was the significance of Atlas II's retirement?** Atlas II's retirement marked the end of an era for the Atlas rocket family, which had a long history in American spaceflight. Its successor, Atlas III, was introduced shortly after its retirement. ## Why It Matters Atlas II played a crucial role in the mid-1990s space industry by providing reliable medium-lift capabilities for deploying communications satellites and scientific payloads. Its development and operation were marked by transitions in manufacturing leadership, reflecting broader shifts in the aerospace industry. The rocket's missions contributed to advancements in Earth observation, satellite communications, and space science, reinforcing its importance in the early-to-mid 1990s space economy. ## Notable For - **First flight**: Launched its maiden voyage on December 7, 1991, marking the beginning of its operational career. - **Payload diversity**: Successfully deployed a wide range of satellites, including communications, weather, and scientific missions. - **Manufacturer transitions**: Experienced three different manufacturers over its operational life, reflecting industry consolidation. - **Medium-lift capability**: Bridged the gap between smaller and larger rockets, offering a cost-effective solution for moderate payloads. - **Legacy**: Paved the way for its successor, Atlas III, and contributed to the evolution of the Atlas rocket family. ## Body ### History Atlas II was developed as part of the Atlas rocket family, inheriting its heritage from earlier Atlas models. Its first flight occurred on December 7, 1991, and it remained in service until March 16, 1998. The rocket's operational period was characterized by transitions in manufacturing leadership, with General Dynamics, Martin Marietta, and Lockheed Martin each taking turns producing the vehicle. ### Architecture Atlas II had a height of 47.54 meters and a diameter of 3.04 meters, making it a medium-lift launch vehicle capable of carrying moderate payloads. It was designed to work with the Centaur upper stage, enhancing its orbital insertion capabilities. ### Payloads Atlas II launched a diverse range of payloads, including communications satellites like Eutelsat 48A, AMC-3, and Intelsat 805, as well as scientific missions such as the Terra climate research satellite and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory. Its missions contributed to advancements in Earth observation, satellite communications, and space science. ### Manufacturing and Industry Context The rocket's production was overseen by three major aerospace companies: General Dynamics (1991–1993), Martin Marietta (1993–1995), and Lockheed Martin (1995–1998). These transitions reflected broader industry shifts and consolidations in the aerospace sector. ### Legacy and Retirement Atlas II's retirement in 1998 marked the end of an era for the Atlas family, which had a long history in American spaceflight. Its successor, Atlas III, was introduced shortly after its retirement, continuing the legacy of the Atlas rocket family. ### Related Projects Atlas II was part of the broader Atlas rocket family, which included earlier models like Atlas I and later models like Atlas III. It also shared connections with other medium-lift launch vehicles and communications satellites deployed during its operational period. ### Cultural and Technical Impact Atlas II's missions and technological advancements contributed to the broader field of space exploration and satellite communications. Its operational period saw significant developments in Earth observation, weather monitoring, and scientific research, reinforcing its role in the mid-1990s space economy. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atlas_centaur.htm) 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013