# Centaur V

> American rocket stage and space tug

**Wikidata**: [Q124313272](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q124313272)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/centaur-v

## Summary
Centaur V is an American rocket stage and space tug developed by United Launch Alliance, serving as a high-performance upper stage for the Vulcan launch vehicle. It is a modern variant of the historic Centaur rocket family, distinguished by its increased diameter of 5.4 meters and a maximum thrust of 213.5 kilonewtons. The stage conducted its inaugural flight on January 8, 2024, designed to facilitate orbital transfers and interplanetary trajectories.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of**: Rocket model
- **Subclass of**: Centaur (rocket stage family)
- **First flight**: January 8, 2024
- **Manufacturer**: United Launch Alliance
- **Operator**: United Launch Alliance
- **Country of origin**: United States
- **Length**: 11.7 metres
- **Diameter**: 5.4 metres
- **Propulsion**: Powered by 2 RL-10C-1-1 engines
- **Maximum Thrust**: 213.5 kilonewtons (approx. 48,000 pound-force)
- **Primary Function**: Space tug for orbital transfer and interplanetary missions
- **Also known as**: Centaur 5

## FAQs
### Q: What launch vehicle uses the Centaur V stage?
Centaur V is utilized as the upper stage for the Vulcan rocket system, which is operated by the United Launch Alliance.

### Q: What are the physical specifications of the Centaur V?
The Centaur V stage has a total length of 11.7 metres and a diameter of 5.4 metres. It is designed to accommodate the specific payload requirements of the Vulcan launch vehicle.

### Q: What engine powers the Centaur V and how much thrust does it produce?
The stage is powered by two RL-10C-1-1 engines. These engines provide a combined maximum thrust of 213.5 kilonewtons (approximately 48,000 pounds of force).

### Q: When did the Centaur V first fly?
The first flight of the Centaur V rocket stage occurred on January 8, 2024.

### Q: How does Centaur V relate to the broader Centaur family?
Centaur V is a specific model within the Centaur family of rocket stages. While the Centaur family dates back to 1962, the Centaur V represents a modern evolution designed for the Vulcan rocket, distinguishing itself with larger dimensions compared to earlier Atlas variants.

## Why It Matters
Centaur V represents the latest evolution of the Centaur rocket family, a lineage critical to United States space exploration since 1962. By serving as the upper stage for the Vulcan launch vehicle, it ensures the continuation of reliable access to space for national security, commercial, and scientific payloads. Its design as a "space tug" is vital for complex mission profiles, allowing for the precise delivery of payloads into specific orbits and providing the necessary velocity changes (delta-v) for interplanetary trajectories. The introduction of Centaur V marks a significant upgrade in capability, characterized by a wider diameter and enhanced thrust, supporting more ambitious space exploration goals.

## Notable For
- **Modernized Design**: Features a 5.4-meter diameter, making it distinct from earlier Centaur variants used on Atlas rockets.
- **Vulcan Integration**: Specifically manufactured to serve as the upper stage for the Vulcan rocket.
- **Enhanced Propulsion**: Utilizes two RL-10C-1-1 engines, a specific configuration providing 213.5 kN of thrust.
- **Recent Deployment**: Achieved its first flight in early 2024 (January 8).
- **Heritage**: Builds upon the legacy of the Centaur family, which has supported missions ranging from satellite deployment to lunar and planetary exploration since 1962.

## Body

### Design and Specifications
The Centaur V is an American rocket stage manufactured and operated by the United Launch Alliance. Structurally, it is defined by a length of 11.7 metres and a diameter of 5.4 metres. This diameter is a notable feature, aligning with the requirements of the Vulcan launch vehicle. As a subclass of the Centaur rocket family, it retains the core function of a space tug but incorporates modern enhancements.

### Propulsion System
The stage relies on a propulsion system consisting of two RL-10C-1-1 engines. These engines generate a maximum thrust of 213.5 kilonewtons (equivalent to approximately 48,000 pounds of force). This power is essential for the stage's role in lifting payloads out of low Earth orbit or directing them toward interplanetary destinations.

### Operational Context and History
Centaur V is part of the broader Centaur family of rocket stages, which originated in the United States. The Centaur family has been a staple in space launch systems since its first flight in 1962, historically powering vehicles such as the Atlas-Centaur, Atlas I, Atlas II, Atlas III, and Atlas V.

The Centaur V specifically was developed for use with the Vulcan rocket. Its inaugural flight took place on January 8, 2024. While earlier versions of the Centaur were also associated with manufacturers like Boeing Defense, Space & Security, the Centaur V is primarily attributed to United Launch Alliance. It fulfills the critical role of a "space tug," a designation meaning it is capable of multiple burns to transfer payloads between different orbits or onto escape trajectories for deep space missions.

### Related Entities
- **Parent Family**: Centaur (Rocket stage family)
- **Launch Vehicle**: Vulcan
- **Manufacturer**: United Launch Alliance
- **Engine**: RL-10C-1-1

## References

1. [Source](https://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/default-source/rockets/vulcancentaur.pdf)
2. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2024/01/vulcan-flight-one-preps/)