Common Core Booster

Common Core Booster

The CCB of Atlas V AV-021 is erected at the Vertical Integration Facility of SLC-41 ahead of the launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin (1998–2006) United Launch Alliance (2006–2024)
Country of origin	United States
Used on	Atlas V
General characteristics
Height	32.46 m (106.5 ft)
Diameter	3.81 m (12.5 ft)
Propellant mass	284,089 kg (626,309 lb)
Empty mass	21,054 kg (46,416 lb) (V 400 series) 21,351 kg (47,071 lb) (V 500 series)[1]
Propulsion
Powered by	1× RD-180
Maximum thrust	3,827 kN (860,000 lbf) (SL) 4,152 kN (933,000 lbf) (vac)
Burn time	253 s
Propellant	LOX/RP-1

The Common Core Booster (CCB) is a rocket stage, which is used as the first stage of the American Atlas V rocket as part of its modular design. It was also intended that two additional CCBs would be used as boosters on the Atlas V Heavy, however this configuration has not been developed. Use of a Common Core Booster as the first stage of the Japanese GX was also planned; however, this program was cancelled in late 2009.

The Common Core Booster is 32.46 m (106.5 ft) long, has a diameter of 3.81 m (12.5 ft) and is powered by a single RD-180 engine burning RP-1 and liquid oxygen.^[2] The CCB's fuel tanks are built out of isogrid aluminum.^[3]

Testing of the CCB and its RD-180 engines was conducted in the United States at the Marshall Space Flight Center, and in Khimki, Russia. The test programme concluded with the final engine test in December 2001.^[4] The first launch of a Common Core Booster was the maiden flight of the Atlas V, which was launched from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station on 21 August 2002.^[5] As of November 2020, the Atlas V has made 86 flights, all of which have used a single Common Core Booster.^[6]

1. ^ "Atlas 5 Launch Services User's Guide" (PDF). United Launch Alliance. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
2. ^ Wade, Mark. "Atlas CCB". Encyclopedia Astronautica. Archived from the original on August 29, 2002. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
3. ^ "Atlas V". www.astronautix.com. Retrieved 2025-11-03.
4. ^ "Lockheed Martin's Atlas V RD-180 Engine Successfully Completes Testing Program". SpaceRef. 19 December 2001. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
5. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
6. ^ Kyle, Ed. "Atlas 5 Launch Record". Space Launch Report. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved 17 January 2021.

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