Maynard to Build Components for the Atlas V Rocket
United Launch Alliance (ULA) has contracted with Maynard Inc., in Wichita, Kan., to supply components for its Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V rocket has launched 90 times with payloads for the Department of Defense, NASA and commercial customers.
“I was very impressed with Wichita, the depth of history in the aerospace industry and access to a highly qualified workforce. I want to tap into those unique and diverse skills as we continue our legacy as the nation’s premier launch services provider.”
Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO.
“I had the opportunity to visit Wichita recently and meet with current and potential suppliers,” said Tory Bruno, ULA president and CEO. “I was very impressed with Wichita, the depth of history in the aerospace industry and access to a highly qualified workforce. I want to tap into those unique and diverse skills as we continue our legacy as the nation’s premier launch services provider.”
Maynard will be adding to ULA’s diverse network of suppliers providing fabricated and machined parts. Their talented and committed workforce will add to ULA’s first in class launch and schedule capability meeting our customers’ needs and ULA’s best value.
“We look forward to working with the team at Maynard as we begin this new work in support of our Atlas V program,” said Bruno.
Atlas V uses a standard common core booster, up to five solid rocket boosters (SRBs), a Centaur upper stage in a single- or dual-engine configuration, and one of several sizes of payload fairings.
The Centaur upper stage combines pressure-stabilized tanks with the lightweight Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10C-1 engine. The stage has demonstrated long-coast relight capability that enables it to service any orbital need.
The Atlas V payload fairings are configurable to fit a variety of spacecraft heights, both 4-m and 5-m diameter variants are available in three lengths. The 4-m PLF is a metallic design, configured by adding additional cylindrical plugs to achieve the desired length. The 5-m PLF is a carbon composite bi-sector design manufactured by ULA partner RUAG Space.
(Image provided with ULA news release)