The Atlas family meets the increased payload requirements of the next decade with maximum cost effectiveness by: 1) uprating the SLV-3, 2) using mission compatible upper stages, 3) incorporating sustainer tank apogee kick concept, 4) augmenting thrust with strap-on motors, and 5) performing multiple missions with a single launch vehicle.
History and features of the Atlas and the advanced Atlas launch vehicle family are discussed. Performance curves for these vehicles are presented, showing the Atlas as a direct ascent vehicle as well as a booster for currently available upper stages.
Mission/payload summaries are included to show payload weights for various earth orbital and planetary missions using Atlas family combinations.
