U.S. Engineering and Operational Capability for Atlas V RD-180

Abstract

Engineering and operational capability have been established within the United States to support RD-180 use on the Atlas V launch vehicle under a joint program involving Lockheed Martin, RD AMROSS, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, and NPO Energomash. The newly established engineering capabilities provide the Atlas V team the ability to supplement and complement NPO Energomash technical contributions with U.S. expertise. Additionally, U.S. operational capabilities have been established to support nominal engine and launch vehicle operations in the unlikely event NPO Energomash were unable to provide their normal level of on-site support. The successful implementation of these capabilities by the Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne team provides Atlas V customers increased confidence in Assured Access to Space while expediting technical and programmatic solutions for maintaining 100% Mission Success.

A Decade of Success and Innovation for Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle Liquid Propulsion Systems

“…This gave PW the expertise and capability to assess engine processing and operations data, as well as perform routine maintenance and establish a Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) process to diagnose, remove, replace, and checkout discrepant or suspect RD-180 components. 1 Combined with NPO EM's "on-station" support during major engine integration operations, pre-flight checkouts, and flight, this international team is able to quickly disposition potential or in-process issues with the RD-180.…”