What are some of the advantages of Atlas V(the rocket)?

Question

What are some of the advantages of Atlas V(the rocket)?

Answer 1

The advantage of the Atlas V is its design lineage.  It builds upon a solid, successful family of launch vehicles.  The current incarnation incorporates heavier lift capacity and design improvements either borrowed from its competitors or evolved through the preceding decade or so of general aerospace engineering.  It embraces the EELV design concept allowing elements of the Altas V general design to be configured into reliable launch vehicles for specific applications.

Answer 2

Compared to the Shuttle?

It's really big - that is it can carry a large payload.

It does not require astronauts to fly it, so if there is a problem, there isn't anyone's life at stake.

It's cheaper.

Answer 3

It's a heavy-lift vehicle, without need for life support and safety systems needed on manned missions.  It relies on it's SRBs for initial flight, so there's no need to spin up the liquid-fueled core (like the shuttle).  If a problem occurs with launch right down to the moment before the SRB's ignite, a hold can be instituted.