# Atlas IIIB

> American expendable launch system

**Wikidata**: [Q127204964](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127204964)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlas-iiib

## Summary
The Atlas IIIB is an American expendable launch system, part of the Atlas III series of rockets, used for launching satellites with its first flight occurring on February 21, 2002.

## Key Facts
- Part of the Atlas III series of American expendable launch systems
- First flight on 2002-02-21
- Service retirement on 2005-02-03
- Manufacturer includes Lockheed Martin (general contractor), NPO Energomash, Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell International, Inc., Goodrich Corporation, and Saab Group
- Powered by the RD-180 engine
- Had a maximum thrust of 2600 kN
- Total production was 4 units
- Country of origin is the United States
- Payload capacity was 10718 kg for low Earth orbit and 4500 kg for geostationary transfer orbit
- Dimensions: height 52.8 m, diameter 3.05 m, mass 218588 kg (launch weight)

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Atlas IIIB first launched?
A: The Atlas IIIB had its first flight on February 21, 2002.

### Q: What was the Atlas IIIB's payload capacity?
A: It could carry 10718 kg to low Earth orbit or 4500 kg to geostationary transfer orbit.

### Q: Who manufactured the Atlas IIIB?
A: The manufacturer included Lockheed Martin as the general contractor, along with NPO Energomash, Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell International, Inc., Goodrich Corporation, and Saab Group.

### Q: When did the Atlas IIIB retire from service?
A: The Atlas IIIB was retired from service on February 3, 2005.

## Why It Matters
The Atlas IIIB played a significant role in the American space launch industry during the early 2000s, providing a reliable expendable launch system for geostationary communications satellites and other payloads. It represented an evolution of the Atlas rocket family, incorporating modern technology while maintaining the proven design heritage of the Atlas series. The rocket's service period coincided with the deployment of several important satellites, including communications and military payloads, contributing to the expansion of satellite-based communications infrastructure. Its retirement marked the end of an era for this particular launch vehicle configuration.

## Notable For
- Was part of the Atlas III series, representing an upgraded version of the Atlas rocket family
- Utilized the RD-180 engine, a powerful Russian-built rocket engine
- Had a relatively short service life, with only 4 units produced
- Featured a payload capacity suitable for both low Earth orbit and geostationary transfer orbit missions
- Was manufactured by multiple international companies, reflecting collaborative aerospace development

## Body
### Technical Specifications
The Atlas IIIB featured several key technical specifications as documented in the source material. It had a launch weight of 218,588 kilograms, standing 52.8 meters tall with a diameter of 3.05 meters. The rocket was powered by the RD-180 engine, which provided a maximum thrust of 2,600 kilonewtons. Its payload capacity varied depending on the orbit: 10,718 kilograms to low Earth orbit or 4,500 kilograms to geostationary transfer orbit.

### Production and Service History
The Atlas IIIB was produced in a limited run of four units, with its first flight occurring on February 21, 2002. The rocket entered service and was used for various satellite launches until its retirement on February 3, 2005. During its operational period, it supported the deployment of several important satellites, including communications and military payloads.

### Manufacturing and Partnerships
The Atlas IIIB represented a collaborative effort among multiple aerospace companies. Lockheed Martin served as the general contractor, while other manufacturers included NPO Energomash (Russian engine manufacturer), Pratt & Whitney (engine components), Honeywell International (avionics), Goodrich Corporation (mechanical systems), and Saab Group (navigation systems). This international collaboration was typical of the aerospace industry during this period, leveraging specialized expertise from different companies.

### Payload Capabilities
The Atlas IIIB was designed to handle different orbital requirements. For low Earth orbit missions, it could carry approximately 10.7 metric tons of payload, while for geostationary transfer orbit missions, it could accommodate about 4.5 metric tons. This flexibility made it suitable for a variety of satellite applications, from communications satellites to military reconnaissance platforms.

### Technical Evolution
As part of the Atlas III series, the Atlas IIIB represented an evolution from earlier Atlas rocket models. It incorporated modern avionics and propulsion systems while maintaining the basic design heritage of the Atlas family. The use of the RD-180 engine, originally developed for the Russian Moon rocket, provided significant thrust advantages compared to earlier Atlas models. The rocket's design reflected the industry's trend toward more efficient and powerful launch vehicles during the early 2000s.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.astronautix.com/a/atlas3b.html)