// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Launch Provider
A company that designs, builds, and operates rockets to send satellites and other spacecraft into orbit.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A Launch Provider is an organization (e.g., SpaceX, Arianespace, ULA) that develops, manufactures, and operates launch vehicles to deliver payloads, such as satellites or crewed spacecraft, into various Earth orbits or interplanetary trajectories.
BACKGROUND
A launch service provider or launch vehicle provider is a type of company that delivers a payload into space, including the delivery of satellites, spacecraft, cargo, astronauts, and potentially space tourists. Services provided may include furnishing launch vehicles, launch support, equipment and facilities, for the purpose of launching satellites into orbits or deep space. These companies and their launch vehicles are in various stages of development, with some already in regular operation, while others are not.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Rocket company
- launch services company
- space launch operator
- space transportation provider
USAGE NOTE
Competition among launch providers is driving down costs and increasing access to space.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Launch Provider.
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft, providing orbital launch services for commercial and government payloads.
A joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin, providing launch services for U.S. government missions with its Atlas V, Delta IV Heavy, and upcoming Vulcan Centaur rockets.
A European company that markets and operates the Ariane, Soyuz, and Vega families of launch vehicles for satellite launches.
Develops and launches small satellite launch vehicles, including the Electron rocket, and is developing the larger Neutron rocket.
An aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company developing the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle and New Shepard sub-orbital vehicle.
Provides launch services with its Antares rocket for ISS resupply missions and Pegasus XL for small payloads.
Japan's primary launch service provider, operating the H-IIA launch vehicle and developing the next-generation H3 rocket.
The national space agency of India, operating the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for various missions.