KHIMKI, Moscow Region. Feb 15 (Interfax-AVN) - The Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral has started a new stage of preparations for the launch of the Atlas-5 heavy booster rocket powered by a Russian engine.
The Atlas-5 is fitted with the RD-180 engine manufactured by the Khimki-based Energomash research and production association. At present the rocket is at the vertical assembly facility at Launch Pad 31, and a planned check of its components and systems is underway.
Vladimir Sudakov, head of the Energomash information department, told Interfax-Military News Agency on Friday that the first operational Atlas-5 rocket would be launched in May 2002. It will orbit the Hot Bird 6 communication satellite of the Eutelsat corporation.
The Atlas-5 booster of a new generation differs from conventional Atlas-3 rockets by a higher capacity. Atlas-3 is capable of launching satellites weighing up to 4.5t, but Atlas-5 will put in geostationary orbit spacecraft weighing up to 8.7t.
First stages of both rockets are fitted with the RD-180 liquid-propellant engine developing about 200t.
Energomash will ship about 20 RD-180 engines to the Lockheed Martin corporation in next few years. Each engine costs about USD10m. The RD-AMROSS joint venture set up by Energomash and the U.S.-based Pratt & Whitney company is mediating the deal.
Lockheed Martin has announced its plans to purchase 101 RD- 180 engines.