Antares

Deutsch: Antares (Rakete) / Español: Antares (cohete) / Português: Antares (foguete) / Français: Antares (fusée) / Italiano: Antares (razzo)

Antares in the space industry context refers to a two-stage launch vehicle developed by Northrop Grumman (formerly Orbital ATK) for transporting cargo to the International Space Station (ISS) under NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program. The Antares rocket is designed to launch the Cygnus spacecraft, carrying supplies, equipment, and scientific experiments to the ISS. The rocket has a modular architecture that allows for different configurations to accommodate various payload types and mission requirements. Since its inaugural launch in April 2013, Antares has been a crucial part of maintaining and resupplying the ISS, demonstrating the increasing role of commercial partnerships in space exploration and logistics.

Description

Antares was developed to support NASA's goal of utilizing commercial vehicles for space station resupply missions. It is capable of lifting medium-sized payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO) and has been regularly used to send the Cygnus spacecraft on cargo resupply missions to the ISS. The rocket features two main stages: the first stage is powered by liquid fuel engines, while the second stage varies depending on the specific mission requirements, often using a solid rocket motor. Antares launches from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS) at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, USA.

Application Areas

The primary application of the Antares launch vehicle includes:

• Cargo Resupply Missions to the ISS: Delivering food, equipment, and scientific experiments to support the crew aboard the ISS.
• Deployment of Satellites: While its primary mission is to service the ISS, Antares' capability also extends to deploying satellites into orbit, contributing to Earth observation, scientific research, and communication networks.

Well-Known Examples

Notable missions conducted by the Antares rocket include:

• Orb-3 Mission Failure: An Antares rocket suffered a catastrophic failure shortly after liftoff in October 2014. This incident led to significant design revisions and improvements in subsequent versions of the rocket.
• Return to Flight with OA-5 Mission: Successfully launched in October 2016, this mission marked Antares' return to flight operations, delivering the Cygnus spacecraft to the ISS with over 5,000 pounds of cargo.

Treatment and Risks

The development and operation of the Antares launch vehicle involve addressing several challenges and risks, such as ensuring reliability and safety during launches, particularly following the 2014 failure. Continuous improvements and updates to its design and engineering are vital for meeting the stringent requirements of space missions and ensuring the safety of cargo and, potentially, crew members in future missions.

Similar Terms or Synonyms

• Antares rocket
• Commercial cargo resupply
• Orbital launch vehicle

Summary

Antares is a significant contributor to the current landscape of space logistics, offering a reliable commercial option for resupplying the International Space Station and deploying satellites. Its development and operational history reflect the evolving partnership between NASA and commercial entities in expanding human presence and activity in low Earth orbit.

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