# Atlas IIAS

> American expendable launch system

**Wikidata**: [Q116027214](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116027214)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlas-iias

## Summary
The Atlas IIAS is an American expendable launch system, part of the Atlas family of space launch vehicles. It is a medium-lift launch vehicle, capable of lifting moderate payloads to low-Earth orbit. Based on the Atlas IIA, the Atlas IIAS had its first flight in 1993 and was retired from service in 2004.

## Key Facts
- The Atlas IIAS is an American expendable launch system.
- It is also known by the alias Atlas 2AS.
- Its first flight occurred on December 16, 1993.
- The Atlas IIAS was retired from service on August 31, 2004.
- It was manufactured by Martin Marietta from 1993 to 1995, and by Lockheed Martin from 1995 to 2004.
- The Atlas IIAS is a medium-lift launch vehicle and a subclass of the Atlas family.
- It was based on the Atlas IIA.
- Notable satellites launched or related include BermudaSat-1, Eutelsat 21A, and Hispasat 84W-1.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Atlas IIAS?
A: The Atlas IIAS is an American expendable launch system. It is a medium-lift launch vehicle, part of the Atlas family, designed to carry moderate payloads to low-Earth orbit.

### Q: Who manufactured the Atlas IIAS?
A: The Atlas IIAS was initially manufactured by Martin Marietta from 1993 to 1995. Following a merger, Lockheed Martin took over manufacturing from 1995 until its retirement in 2004.

### Q: When did the Atlas IIAS begin and end service?
A: The Atlas IIAS had its first flight on December 16, 1993. It was retired from service on August 31, 2004.

## Why It Matters
The Atlas IIAS played a significant role in American space launch capabilities as a reliable medium-lift expendable launch system. As an evolution within the venerable Atlas family, it continued the legacy of these vehicles in delivering critical payloads to orbit. Its operational period from 1993 to 2004 saw it launch various geostationary communications satellites, such as BermudaSat-1, Eutelsat 21A, and Hispasat 84W-1, contributing to global telecommunications infrastructure. The Atlas IIAS demonstrated the ongoing need for robust launch solutions to support an expanding satellite industry, bridging a period of technological advancement in spaceflight before the advent of newer launch systems. Its service ensured the deployment of satellites vital for communication, broadcasting, and other services.

## Notable For
- Being an American expendable launch system, continuing the legacy of the Atlas family.
- Its operational service period spanning from its first flight on December 16, 1993, to its retirement on August 31, 2004.
- Being an advanced variant based on the Atlas IIA launch vehicle.
- Its manufacturing history under both Martin Marietta and Lockheed Martin during its operational life.
- Its role in launching various geostationary communications satellites, including BermudaSat-1, Eutelsat 21A, and Hispasat 84W-1.

## Body
### Overview
The Atlas IIAS is an American expendable launch system, classified as a rocket model. It is a medium-lift launch vehicle, designed to place moderate payloads into low-Earth orbit. The Atlas IIAS is a subclass of the broader Atlas family of American missiles and space launch vehicles.

### Development and Manufacturing
The Atlas IIAS was based on the Atlas IIA. Its manufacturing was initially handled by Martin Marietta from 1993 to 1995. Following a corporate merger, Lockheed Martin became the manufacturer from 1995 until the vehicle's retirement in 2004. The country of origin for the Atlas IIAS is the United States.

### Operational History
The first flight of the Atlas IIAS took place on December 16, 1993. It remained in active service for over a decade, with its service retirement occurring on August 31, 2004. During its operational period, the Atlas IIAS was utilized for launching various payloads.

### Related Entities and Payloads
The Atlas IIAS is closely related to the Atlas IIA launch system. It was responsible for launching several notable satellites, including:
- BermudaSat-1, a retired geostationary communications satellite.
- Eutelsat 21A, a decommissioned Eutelsat geostationary communications satellite.
- Hispasat 84W-1, a decommissioned Spanish geostationary communications satellite.
- Ciel-1, a retired geostationary communications satellite.
- EchoStar III, a retired geostationary communications satellite.
- Hispasat 136W-1, a Spanish geostationary communications satellite.
- Paksat-1, a Pakistani (originally Indonesian) communications satellite.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Atlas IIAS",
  "description": "American expendable launch system",
  "additionalType": "rocket model"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_lau/atlas_centaur.htm)