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{{Page|Atlas-Centaur|Classes|series of space launch vehicles}}
{{Page|Atlas-Centaur|Classes|series of space launch vehicles|}}

Latest revision as of 14:05, 17 February 2025




The Atlas-Centaur was a United States expendable launch vehicle derived from the SM-65 Atlas D missile. The vehicle featured a Centaur upper stage, the first such stage to use high-performance liquid hydrogen as fuel. Launches were conducted from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida. After a strenuous flight test program, Atlas-Centaur went on to launch several crucial spaceflight missions for the United States, including Surveyor 1, and Pioneer 10/11. The vehicle would be continuously developed and improved into the 1990s, with the last direct descendant being the highly successful Atlas II.

Ali Mansour and Ned Hannum holding a Centaur main engineAli Mansour and Ned Hannum holding a Centaur main engine
Ali Mansour (left) and Ned Hannum (1963) GRC-1963-C-64329 (B&W, cropped)Ali Mansour (left) and Ned Hannum (1963) GRC-1963-C-64329 (B&W, cropped)
Atlas-Centaur in flight just prior to Centaur second stage’s separation from the Atlas first stage.Atlas-Centaur in flight just prior to Centaur second stage’s separation from the Atlas first stage.
1965 Typical Atlas Centaur Stages1965 Typical Atlas Centaur Stages
Atlas-Centaur in flight just prior to Centaur second stage’s separation from the Atlas first stage (cropped)Atlas-Centaur in flight just prior to Centaur second stage’s separation from the Atlas first stage (cropped)
Ali Mansour and Ned Hannum holding a Centaur main engineAli Mansour and Ned Hannum holding a Centaur main engine
Atlas-Centaur in flight just prior to Centaur second stage’s separation from the Atlas first stage.Atlas-Centaur in flight just prior to Centaur second stage’s separation from the Atlas first stage.
Atlas Centaur vehicle (Centaur second stage), 1959Atlas Centaur vehicle (Centaur second stage), 1959
Atlas Centaur launchAtlas Centaur launch
Atlas Centaur launchAtlas Centaur launch