Atlas D Mercury Credit - © Thom Media Gallery

Atlas D modified for use in Project Mercury.

Manufacturer: Convair. LEO Payload: 1,360 kg (2,990 lb). to: 185 km Orbit. at: 28.00 degrees. Associated Spacecraft: Mercury. Liftoff Thrust: 1,587.190 kN (356,815 lbf). Total Mass: 116,100 kg (255,900 lb). Core Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Total Length: 25.00 m (82.00 ft).

• Stage Number: 0. 1 x Stage: Atlas MA-2. Gross Mass: 3,050 kg (6,720 lb). Empty Mass: 3,050 kg (6,720 lb). Thrust (vac): 1,517.422 kN (341,130 lbf). Isp: 282 sec. Burn time: 135 sec. Isp(sl): 248 sec. Diameter: 4.90 m (16.00 ft). Span: 4.90 m (16.00 ft). Length: 0.00 m ( ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 2. Engine: XLR-89-5.

• Stage Number: 1. 1 x Stage: Atlas D. Gross Mass: 113,050 kg (249,230 lb). Empty Mass: 2,347 kg (5,174 lb). Thrust (vac): 363.218 kN (81,655 lbf). Isp: 309 sec. Burn time: 303 sec. Isp(sl): 215 sec. Diameter: 3.05 m (10.00 ft). Span: 4.90 m (16.00 ft). Length: 21.20 m (69.50 ft). Propellants: Lox/Kerosene. No Engines: 1. Engine: XLR-105-5.

• Koelle, Heinz Hermann,, Handbook of Astronautical Engineering, McGraw-Hill,New York, 1961. The only such comprehensive handbook ever produced, and at the dawn of the space age.