To: NormsRevenge
A very odd looking Atlas, what happened to the "half stage" side mounted engines that are dropped off after providing the extra thrust needed to clear the launch tower, or silo as the case may be.
I've been to SLC-3, as well as seen SLC-6 and the original Atlas sites on main base. (also some old "coffin" type launchers which are probably long gone. First rocket I saw launched was an Atlas from those original pads, which had been operational pads, carrying nuclear warheads, way back when Khrushchev visited Disneyland, and his train took him close enough to see 'em standing there.
18 posted on
03/11/2008 9:56:00 PM PDT by
El Gato
("The Second Amendment is the RESET button of the United States Constitution." -- Doug McKay)
To: El Gato
what happened to the “half stage” side mounted engines that are dropped off after providing the extra thrust needed to clear the launch tower, or silo as the case may be.
—
new configuration?
22 posted on
03/11/2008 10:02:20 PM PDT by
NormsRevenge
(Semper Fi ... Godspeed ... ICE’s toll-free tip hotline —1-866-DHS-2-ICE ... 9/11 .. Never FoRGeT)
To: El Gato
I just remembered, and checked out my recollection. The Atlas V uses a single Russian designed and P&W built, RD-180 engine.
Imagine using a Russian engine to launch an NRO payload.
Talk about The World Turned Upside Down Midi
24 posted on
03/11/2008 10:10:12 PM PDT by
El Gato
("The Second Amendment is the RESET button of the United States Constitution." -- Doug McKay)
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