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The Last Atlas 2 Rocket Launch

Posted by timothy on from the it's-all-x-prize-from-here-on-out dept.

Fiz Ocelot writes "Reuters reports that the last Atlas 2 rocket was launched on Tuesday. The rocket was the last to launch the old-fashioned way. For this launch, the 120-member team was inside a blockhouse 1,400 feet from the launch pad. It was also the end of an era dating back to the 1950s, when most rockets, including early manned flights, were launched from concrete blockhouses adjacent to the pads."

6 of 174 comments (clear)

  1. Replacement? by Wyatt+Earp · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Anyone know what is going to replace the Atlas II?

    Or why they aren't building anymore? 63 launches with no failures is pretty good.

  2. End of an Era? by Student_Tech · · Score: 2, Interesting

    They mention that it was the end of an era dating to the 1950's, what exactly are they referering too? Are they referering to the fact that the blockhouses are no longer near the rocket? Launching on land?

    1. Re:End of an Era? by E-Lad · · Score: 4, Interesting


      The Atlas 2 rockets were the first widely-deployed nuclear-tipped ICBMs in the US arsenal.

      They were both tower and silo launched. Many of the old Altas silos are abandoned today, with a few being opened as museums, and in some cases, homes. /dale

  3. Shuttlecraft by uberdave · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I think there should be two types of shuttle. First, a personnel shuttle to bring people up and down. Second, for those rare occasions when we need it, a cargo shuttle to bring hardware down (not up, but down). These shuttles, wouldn't be the fixed wing flying brickyards we have now, but a craft with a replaceable ablative heat shield, and parasail/parawing. Cargo would be sent up the way it used to be, as simple rocket payload.

    --
    "I'm not impatient. I just hate waiting." - My Dad
  4. Re:I love that... by Lars+T. · · Score: 2, Interesting
    What about CUBA 90 miles south of you?

    Don't worry, the US is supporting the anti-Castro terrorists any way they can.

    --

    Lars T.

    To the guy who modded me down from perfect to terrible Karma - Apple haters still suck

  5. But what about the Mystery Clouds? by Wespionage · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Will this also be the end of the Mystery Clouds? I hope not. I use them as an opportunity to alarm my neighbors. "HURRY! QUICK! It must be a radioactive puffy thing from the nucular plant!"