Rocket manufacturer ATK will use a composite space capsule as the vehicle to launch atop its new Liberty rocket. The first manned flight is set for 2015.
The new Liberty launch vehicle, which draws on parts of NASA's cancelled Ares I rocket and Europe's Ariane 5 rocket, will use existing infrastructure at Kennedy Space Center--including, possibly, the mobile launch platform shown in this illustration.
An artist's illustration of ATK's new Liberty rocket launching a private space capsule into low-Earth orbit.
The Liberty Spacecraft is comprised of a Composite Crew Module, which ATK built at its composite facility in Iuka, Mississippi.
The five-segment solid rocket motor that comprises Liberty’s first stage has successfully completed three static tests at ATK’s facility in Promontory, Utah.
An artist's illustration of ATK's new Liberty rocket launching a private space capsule into low-Earth orbit.
The private Liberty launch system will include a pressurized pod that can carry 5,100 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station.
The Liberty launch vehicle combines the proven systems from NASA's space shuttle fleet and Europe's Ariane 5 expendable rocket. This graphic shows how they combine into the new ATK-Astrium Liberty rocket.
The Ariane 5, a component of the new Liberty rocket, has had 47 consecutive successful launches to date.
The Liberty first stage incorporates advanced new materials in the insulation and liner, resulting in higher performance, ATK officials say.
The Vulcain 2, built by Safran/Snecma, serves as the second stage engine for ATK's Liberty rocket.
The core stage of the Ariane 5 serves as the second stage for the Liberty system.
Liberty’s first stage avionics ring is being built at ATK;s facility in Clearfield, Utah.
The vehicle equipment bay houses the avionics for the second stage of the Liberty launch vehicle.
