# Atlas IIIA

> American expendable launch system

**Wikidata**: [Q127204961](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127204961)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlas-iiia

## Summary
The Atlas IIIA was an American expendable launch system developed as part of the Atlas III series. It made its first flight on May 24, 2000, and was retired on March 13, 2004, after launching only two rockets. The system was powered by the RD-180 engine and had a launch weight of 214,338 kilograms.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Rocket model
- **Subclass of**: Atlas III series
- **First flight**: May 24, 2000
- **Service retirement**: March 13, 2004
- **Manufacturer**: Lockheed Martin (general contractor), NPO Energomash, Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell International, Goodrich Corporation, Saab Group
- **Powered by**: RD-180 engine
- **Launch weight**: 214,338 kilograms
- **Height**: 52.8 meters
- **Diameter**: 3.05 meters
- **Maximum thrust**: 2,600 kilonewtons
- **Payload capacity**:
  - 8,640 kg to low Earth orbit
  - 4,055 kg to geostationary transfer orbit
- **Total produced**: 2 units
- **Country of origin**: United States

## FAQs
### Q: What was the Atlas IIIA used for?
A: The Atlas IIIA was primarily used to launch geostationary communications satellites, such as Eutelsat 70C and the Mobile Broadcasting Satellite.

### Q: How many Atlas IIIA rockets were launched?
A: Only two Atlas IIIA rockets were launched, on May 24, 2000, and March 13, 2004.

### Q: What engine powered the Atlas IIIA?
A: The Atlas IIIA was powered by the RD-180 engine, a Russian-built rocket engine developed by NPO Energomash.

### Q: Why was the Atlas IIIA retired?
A: The Atlas IIIA was retired due to its limited success and the emergence of more advanced launch systems.

### Q: What was the payload capacity of the Atlas IIIA?
A: The Atlas IIIA could carry 8,640 kg to low Earth orbit and 4,055 kg to geostationary transfer orbit.

## Why It Matters
The Atlas IIIA was part of the Atlas III series, which aimed to modernize the U.S. space launch capabilities. Despite its short operational life, the Atlas IIIA played a role in launching critical communications satellites. Its retirement marked the end of an era for the Atlas rocket family, which had a long history in American space exploration. The system's development and use highlighted the complexities of international collaboration in rocket manufacturing, with key components supplied by multiple companies, including Russian and Swedish firms.

## Notable For
- **First flight**: Launched on May 24, 2000, marking the debut of the Atlas III series.
- **Limited production**: Only two Atlas IIIA rockets were ever built.
- **International collaboration**: Featured the RD-180 engine, a Russian-built component, reflecting the era's reliance on global partnerships.
- **Communications satellite launches**: Successfully deployed satellites like Eutelsat 70C and the Mobile Broadcasting Satellite.
- **Retirement**: Ended service on March 13, 2004, signaling the transition to newer launch systems.

## Body
### Overview
The Atlas IIIA was a member of the Atlas III family of expendable launch systems, designed to provide reliable and cost-effective access to space. It was developed by Lockheed Martin as the general contractor, with contributions from multiple international partners.

### Development and Specifications
The Atlas IIIA had a launch weight of 214,338 kilograms and stood 52.8 meters tall with a diameter of 3.05 meters. Its primary engine, the RD-180, provided a maximum thrust of 2,600 kilonewtons. The rocket was capable of delivering payloads of 8,640 kg to low Earth orbit and 4,055 kg to geostationary transfer orbit.

### Operational History
The Atlas IIIA made its maiden flight on May 24, 2000, successfully launching the Eutelsat 70C satellite. Its second and final flight occurred on March 13, 2004, deploying the Mobile Broadcasting Satellite. Despite its limited production run of only two rockets, the Atlas IIIA contributed to the launch of critical communications infrastructure.

### Legacy and Retirement
The Atlas IIIA was retired in 2004, marking the end of an era for the Atlas rocket family. Its short operational life was influenced by the emergence of more advanced launch systems and the challenges of maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving space industry. The Atlas IIIA remains a notable example of the era's reliance on international collaboration in rocket development.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/a/atlas3a.html)