Atlas V 551 Rocket

The Atlas V 500 consists of a Common Core Booster (CCB) combined with zero to five strap-on Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) together as Stage One. On top of Stage One is a Centaur upper stage, which is a liquid fueled rocket that provides the upper stage velocity and targeting for the Spacecraft (SC). 

The SC itself is attached to the top of the Centaur and is enclosed in a payload fairing (PLF) that can be anywhere from 68 ft to 77 ft tall, depending on the size of the SC. In full launch configuration, the Atlas V can be as tall as 196 ft to 205 ft. This launch system can propel as much as 44,200 lbs to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

JUNO’S RIDE INTO SPACE IS THE ATLAS V 551 – ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL ROCKETS IN THE WORLD.

The Atlas rocket is an “expendable launch vehicle,” or ELV, meaning it is only used once. The rocket consists of these four key parts: Common Core Booster (CCB), Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs), Payload Fairing (PLF), and Centaur Upper Stage.

Rollover the rocket to learn more about these key parts.

Explore

Interact with the hotspots below to learn more.
  • PAYLOAD FAIRING

    Juno has to be protected so that it can reach space in one piece.


  • CENTAUR UPPER STAGE

    After the main launch, Juno still needs help getting on course to Jupiter.


  • THE ATLAS CODE

    The “551” in the rocket’s name is actually a code that provides three important characteristics of the Atlas V.


  • ROCKET STAGES

    See the major components of Juno’s ride into space.


  • COMMON CORE BOOSTER

    A huge burst of power is necessary to escape Earth.


  • ROCKET GALLERY

    Details of the Atlas V551.


  • THE ATLAS ROCKET FAMILY

    Steps on the path to Juno’s launch vehicle.


  • SOLID ROCKET BOOSTER

    The Atlas V551 has extra power strapped to it’s sides.


  • ROCKET FUEL (RP-1)

    Rockets don’t run on gasoline, so what powers the Atlas V?