// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Booster
A booster is a powerful first-stage rocket or an additional solid rocket motor that provides extra thrust during the initial part of a launch.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A booster is a primary or auxiliary rocket stage designed to provide initial high-thrust propulsion to a launch vehicle, overcoming gravitational forces and atmospheric drag during the ascent phase, often separating after its fuel is expended to reduce vehicle mass.
BACKGROUND
SpaceX has privately funded the development of orbital launch systems that can be reused many times, similar to the reusability of aircraft. SpaceX has developed technologies since the 2010s to facilitate full and rapid reuse of space launch vehicles. The project's long-term objectives include returning a launch vehicle first stage to the launch site within minutes and to return a second stage to the launch pad, following orbital realignment with the launch site and atmospheric reentry in up to 24 hours. SpaceX's long term goal is reusability of both stages of their orbital launch vehicles, and the first stage would be designed to allow reuse a few hours after return. While development of reusable second stages for Falcon 9 was later abandoned in favor of Starship. SpaceX developed reusable payload fairings for the Falcon 9.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- First stage
- Rocket motor
- Solid rocket booster (SRB)
- Liquid booster
USAGE NOTE
The Space Shuttle used two large Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) for its initial ascent.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Booster.
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft, known for its reusable Falcon 9 first-stage boosters and the developing Starship Super Heavy booster.
Developing a variety of spaceflight systems, including the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle with a reusable first-stage booster.
A joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, providing launch services to the U.S. government and commercial customers, developing the Vulcan Centaur rocket with advanced booster technologies.
A joint venture between Airbus and Safran, developing and supplying launch vehicle technologies, including the core and solid rocket boosters for the Ariane 6 launcher.
The U.S. government agency responsible for the civilian space program, developing and overseeing the Space Launch System (SLS), which utilizes powerful core stage and solid rocket boosters.
Develops and launches small-satellite orbital rockets, with the Electron rocket's first stage and the larger, reusable Neutron rocket's first-stage booster under development.
Responsible for developing and operating Japan's H-IIA and H3 launch vehicles, which feature advanced booster designs for reliable and cost-effective space access.
The national space agency of India, responsible for developing and operating a range of launch vehicles like the PSLV and GSLV, which incorporate various types of booster stages for propulsion.