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• Configuration
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For more information regarding Exploration Launch Vehicles, contact: safesimplesoon@atk.com

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Safe and Simple

Astronaut Safety Is Priority One

A launch vehicle utilizing an existing reusable solid rocket booster with a liquid propulsion second stage provides the greatest safety margin for crew transport to low Earth orbit (LEO).

• Maximum safety
• Existing human-rated components
• Proven flight performance
• Reliability approaching 1/1,000
• Minimum cost/risk
• 100% crew abort coverage with 65% less powered flight time

Typical satellite launch vehicles result in highly lofted trajectories and do not provide full ballistic crew escape survival. Powered flight to LEO is three times longer, increasing risk. (See chart above right)

Vehicle controllability has been analyzed and shown to be safe.

• Nozzle vector angles and rates all within existing capabilities of the solid rocket booster
• In-flight structural dynamic loads will be minimized

Safest for the Crew