# Atlas

> family of American missiles and space launch vehicles

**Wikidata**: [Q22949](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q22949)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_(rocket_family))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/atlas

## Summary
Atlas is a family of American missiles and space launch vehicles developed primarily for the United States Air Force and NASA. It has been a cornerstone of U.S. space exploration and military programs since its first flight in 1957, evolving through multiple variants like Atlas-Centaur, Atlas V, and others.

## Key Facts
- **First flight**: 1957, marking the beginning of the Atlas rocket family.
- **Manufacturers**: Convair, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and United Launch Alliance.
- **Operator**: United Launch Alliance (ULA) manages current Atlas operations.
- **Class**: Expendable launch vehicle, meaning it is not reusable after launch.
- **Variants**: Includes Atlas-Centaur, Atlas-Able, Atlas LV-3B, Atlas SLV-3, Atlas III, Atlas II, Atlas V, Atlas I, and Atlas-SLV3 Burner-2.
- **Country of origin**: United States.
- **Uses**: Primarily used by the U.S. Air Force and NASA for satellite launches and space missions.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Atlas rocket family?
A: The Atlas rocket family is a series of American missiles and space launch vehicles that have been used since 1957 for military and civilian space missions, including satellite launches and exploration.

### Q: Who manufactures the Atlas rockets?
A: The Atlas rockets have been manufactured by Convair, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and United Launch Alliance over the years.

### Q: What are some notable variants of the Atlas rocket?
A: Notable variants include Atlas-Centaur, Atlas V, Atlas II, and Atlas III, each designed for specific launch capabilities and missions.

### Q: When was the first Atlas rocket launched?
A: The first Atlas rocket was launched in 1957, marking the beginning of its use in space exploration and military applications.

### Q: What is the primary use of the Atlas rocket family?
A: The Atlas rocket family is primarily used for launching satellites and spacecraft for the United States Air Force and NASA.

## Why It Matters
The Atlas rocket family has played a crucial role in the development of American space exploration and military capabilities. Since its inception in 1957, Atlas rockets have been instrumental in launching numerous satellites, scientific missions, and military payloads. The evolution of the Atlas family, from early missile designs to advanced launch vehicles like the Atlas V, demonstrates significant technological advancements in rocketry. Its reliability and adaptability have made it a key player in both civilian and military space programs, contributing to national security, scientific research, and commercial space ventures. The Atlas family's legacy continues to influence modern launch systems, underscoring its enduring importance in the aerospace industry.

## Notable For
- **First American ICBM**: The Atlas was originally developed as the United States' first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
- **Pioneering Space Launches**: Atlas rockets have been used in numerous historic space missions, including launching the first American astronaut into orbit.
- **Versatility**: The Atlas family includes a wide range of variants, each tailored for specific missions, from military payloads to scientific satellites.
- **Long Operational History**: With a history spanning over six decades, the Atlas family is one of the longest-serving rocket families in the world.
- **Collaboration with NASA**: Atlas rockets have been integral to NASA's missions, including launching the Pioneer and GOES satellite series.

## Body
### History and Development
The Atlas rocket family traces its origins to the late 1950s when it was developed as the United States' first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The first flight occurred in 1957, marking a significant milestone in American rocketry. Over the years, the Atlas has evolved from a military missile into a versatile space launch vehicle, with numerous variants designed for specific missions.

### Variants and Evolution
The Atlas family includes several key variants:
- **Atlas-Centaur**: A series of space launch vehicles known for their upper-stage Centaur rocket, which enhanced payload capacity.
- **Atlas-Able**: An American expendable launch system used for early space missions.
- **Atlas LV-3B**: An American launch system notable for its role in the Mercury program, which launched the first American astronauts into space.
- **Atlas SLV-3**: An American launch vehicle used for various satellite launches.
- **Atlas III**: A series of American expendable launch systems introduced in the early 2000s.
- **Atlas II**: An American expendable launch system that was widely used in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- **Atlas V**: An American expendable launch system currently in use, known for its reliability and advanced capabilities.
- **Atlas I**: An American expendable launch system that served as a transitional model between earlier and later variants.

### Manufacturers and Operators
The Atlas rockets have been manufactured by several key companies:
- **Convair**: The original manufacturer of the Atlas ICBM.
- **General Dynamics**: Took over production and further developed the Atlas family.
- **Lockheed Martin**: Acquired the Atlas program from General Dynamics and continued its development.
- **United Launch Alliance (ULA)**: Currently operates the Atlas V and other modern variants.

### Uses and Missions
The Atlas rocket family has been used for a wide range of missions:
- **Military Payloads**: Originally designed as an ICBM, the Atlas has been used to launch military satellites and payloads.
- **NASA Missions**: Atlas rockets have launched numerous NASA missions, including the Pioneer program and GOES satellites.
- **Commercial Launches**: The Atlas family has also been used for commercial satellite launches, contributing to the growth of the space industry.

### Technical Specifications
- **Class**: Expendable launch vehicle, meaning each rocket is used once and not recovered.
- **Country of Origin**: United States.
- **Operator**: United Launch Alliance (ULA) for current variants like the Atlas V.

## Schema Markup
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  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Atlas",
  "description": "Family of American missiles and space launch vehicles developed primarily for the United States Air Force and NASA.",
  "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_(rocket_family)",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlas_(rocket_family)"],
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## References

1. BabelNet
2. KBpedia