"Satellite launch vehicle" redirects here. For the Indian rocket, see Satellite Launch Vehicle.
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Russian Soyuz TMA-5 lifts off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan heading for the International Space StationComparison of launch vehicles. Show payload masses to LEO, GTO, TLI and MTO
A launch vehicle is typically a rocket-powered vehicle designed to carry a payload (a crewed spacecraft or satellites) from Earth's surface or lower atmosphere to outer space. The most common form is the ballistic missile-shaped multistage rocket, but the term is more general and also encompasses vehicles like the Space Shuttle. Most launch vehicles operate from a launch pad, supported by a launch control center and systems such as vehicle assembly and fueling.[1] Launch vehicles are engineered with advanced aerodynamics and technologies, which contribute to high operating costs.
An orbital launch vehicle must lift its payload at least to the boundary of space, approximately 150 km (93 mi) and accelerate it to a horizontal velocity of at least 7,814 m/s (17,480 mph).[2] Suborbital vehicles launch their payloads to lower velocity or are launched at elevation angles greater than horizontal.
Practical orbital launch vehicles use chemical propellants such as solid fuel, liquid hydrogen, kerosene, liquid oxygen, or hypergolic propellants.
Launch vehicles are classified by their orbital payload capacity, ranging from small-, medium-, heavy- to super-heavy lift.
^"NASA Kills 'Wounded' Launch System Upgrade at KSC". Florida Today. Archived from the original on 2002-10-13.
^Hill, James V. H. (April 1999), "Getting to Low Earth Orbit", Space Future, archived from the original on 2012-03-19, retrieved 2012-03-18.
A launchvehicle is typically a rocket-powered vehicle designed to carry a payload (a crewed spacecraft or satellites) from Earth's surface or lower atmosphere...
A reusable launchvehicle has parts that can be recovered and reflown, while carrying payloads from the surface to outer space. Rocket stages are the most...
The Satellite LaunchVehicle or SLV was a small-lift launchvehicle project started in the early 1970s by the Indian Space Research Organisation to develop...
The LaunchVehicle Digital Computer (LVDC) was a computer that provided the autopilot for the Saturn V rocket from launch, through Earth orbit insertion...
Geosynchronous Satellite LaunchVehicle (GSLV) is a class of expendable launch systems operated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). GSLV...
cheaper launchvehicles and can sometimes be launched in multiples. They can also be launched 'piggyback', using excess capacity on larger launchvehicles. Miniaturized...
An expendable launch system (or expendable launchvehicle/ELV) is a launchvehicle that can be launched only once, after which its components are either...
The Next Generation LaunchVehicle or NGLV (previously referred to as Unified LaunchVehicle or ULV) is a three-stage partially reusable rocket, currently...
The Small Satellite LaunchVehicle (SSLV) is a small-lift launchvehicle developed by ISRO with payload capacity to deliver 500 kg (1,100 lb) to low Earth...
is a two-stage-to-orbit, expendable, heavy-lift launchvehicle created and operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA). It is principally designed for the...
The Augmented Satellite LaunchVehicle or Advanced Satellite LaunchVehicle (also known as ASLV) was a small-lift launchvehicle five-stage solid-fuel rocket...
SpaceX manufactures launchvehicles to operate its launch provider services and to execute its various exploration goals. SpaceX currently manufactures...
This is a list of conventional orbital launch systems. This is composed of launchvehicles, and other conventional systems, used to place satellites into...
missile vehicle, also known as a missile carrier, missile truck, or (if capable of launching) missile launchervehicle, is a military vehicle that is...
ISRO to develop Satellite LaunchVehicle capable of putting 40 kg (88 lb) into a 400-kilometre (250 mi) orbit. An SLV Launch Pad, ground stations, tracking...
transporter erector launcher (TEL) is a missile vehicle with an integrated tractor unit that can transport, elevate to a firing position and launch one or more...
Common Aero Vehicle (CAV) that could be launched from Expendable LaunchVehicles (ELV), Reusable LaunchVehicles (RLVs), Hypersonic Cruise Vehicles (HCV),...
is developing manufacturing technologies, launchvehicles, and rocket engines for commercial orbital launch services. The company is notable for manufacturing...
The LaunchVehicle Mark-3 or LVM3 (previously referred as the Geosynchronous Satellite LaunchVehicle Mark III or GSLV Mk III) is a three-stage medium-lift...
The Ares V (formerly known as the Cargo LaunchVehicle or CaLV) was the planned cargo launch component of the cancelled NASA Constellation program, which...
Launchvehicle system tests assess the readiness of a launch system to safely reach orbit. Launchvehicles undergo system tests before they launch. Wet...
Reusable LaunchVehicle–Technology Demonstration Programme is a series of technology demonstration missions that has been conceived by the Indian Space...
The Boeing Small LaunchVehicle, or SLV, is an air-launched three-stage-to-orbit launchvehicle concept aimed to launch small payloads of 100 pounds (45 kg)...
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