Assemble a rocket from main engine to payload fairing! Rocket Science 101 shows the basic parts of the launch vehicle, how they are configured, and how they work together to launch a NASA spacecraft.

Components for the Atlas V 500 Series Launch Vehicle

1. Payload Fairing
• Fairing - The payload fairing protects the spacecraft and upper stage from aerodynamic forces and heating during the initial ascent phase of flight. The Atlas 5-meter fairing is jettisoned about 3.5 minutes after liftoff.
2. Spacecraft
• Spacecraft (Typical) - The spacecraft is the NASA payload that will carry out the mission. A spacecraft could be an Earth-observing satellite, an interplanetary probe, or something else entirely depending on the mission’s goals.
3. Booster
• Centaur Upper Stage
• Payload Adapter - The payload adapter is a ring-shaped structure that provides the mechanical interface between the spacecraft and the upper stage of the launch vehicle. On Atlas, the adapter typically connects the spacecraft to the Centaur upper stage. The adapter also supports the harnesses and connectors that provide the electrical interface to the spacecraft.
• Centaur Forward Adapter - The forward section of the Centaur upper stage provides a platform for the avionics which guide and control both the upper and the booster stages during flight. The Centaur Forward Adapter also carries spacecraft loads from the payload adapter down to the primary tank structure.
• Centaur LH2 and LO2 Tanks - The Centaur propellant tanks provide storage for liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LO2), the fuel and oxidizer used to power the upper stage
• Centaur Engine (RL10A-4-2) - The Centaur upper stage is powered by the restartable RL10 engine. Its ability to perform multiple engine burns with coast periods in between allows Centaur to meet a wide variety of orbit requirements.
• Common Core Booster
• Interstage Adapter - The Interstage Adapter (ISA) provides the structural connection between the Atlas booster stage and the Centaur upper stage. Centaur separates from the ISA about 4.5 minutes after liftoff.
• Booster Fuel Tank - At liftoff, this tank contains approximately 169,000 pounds of RP-1, the fuel used by the RD-180 booster engine.
• Booster LO2 Tank - At liftoff, this tank contains approximately 460,000 pounds of liquid oxygen (LO2), the oxidizer used by the RD-180 booster engine.
• Solid Rocket Booster - The Atlas booster stage can accommodate up to five strap-on solid rocket boosters (SRBs) to increase lift capability. Each SRB is 1.5 m (5 ft) in diameter, 20.4 m (67 ft) long, and weighs 46,000 kg (102,000 pounds). Each provides an additional 300,000 pounds of thrust for 1.5 minutes following liftoff.
• Aft Transition Structure/Heat Shield - The Aft Transition Structure (ATS) and heat shield form a compartment that houses the RD-180 booster engine and control systems. External fittings on the ATS also provide mounting points for solid rocket boosters (SRBs) when required.
• Booster Engine (RD-180) - The RD-180 booster engine ignites at liftoff and burns until booster propellants (RP-1 and LO2) are depleted. The RD-180 provides up to 900,000 pounds of thrust. Thrust can be controlled from 40% to 100% of maximum to tailor the booster trajectory to the needs of the spacecraft.