// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Launch Vehicle
A rocket or other system used to carry a payload, like a satellite or spacecraft, from Earth's surface into space.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A rocket-powered system designed to transport payloads, such as satellites, spacecraft, or crewed capsules, from a planetary surface into orbit or beyond, overcoming gravitational forces and atmospheric drag.
BACKGROUND
As of May 27, 2026, the SpaceX Starship has been launched 12 times, with 7 successes and 5 failures. SpaceX has developed Starship with the intention of lowering launch costs using economies of scale. It aims to achieve this by reusing both rocket stages, increasing payload mass to orbit, increasing launch frequency, creating a mass-manufacturing pipeline and adapting it to a wide range of space missions. Starship is the latest project in SpaceX's reusable launch system development program and plan to colonize Mars, and is one of two landing systems selected by NASA for the Artemis program's crewed Lunar missions.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Rocket
- Booster
- Space Launcher
- Carrier Rocket
- ELV
- RLV
USAGE NOTE
The choice of launch vehicle depends on the payload mass, target orbit, and mission cost constraints.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Launch Vehicle.
Develops and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launch vehicles, and the Starship system for future deep-space missions.
Developing a range of launch vehicles, including the New Shepard for suborbital space tourism and research, and the New Glenn orbital launch vehicle for heavier payloads.
A joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing, ULA provides launch services to the U.S. government, national security, and commercial customers with its Atlas V and Delta IV rockets, and is developing the Vulcan Centaur.
A European company that markets and operates the Ariane, Soyuz, and Vega families of launch vehicles from the Guiana Space Centre, serving institutional and commercial customers.
Develops and operates the Electron small satellite launch vehicle and is currently developing the Neutron medium-lift rocket for larger payloads and human spaceflight.
As a government agency, NASA develops and utilizes advanced launch vehicle technologies, including the Space Launch System (SLS) for its Artemis lunar missions, and supports commercial launch providers.
India's national space agency, responsible for the development of launch vehicles like the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) for various missions.
Develops and manufactures launch vehicles for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and commercial customers, including the H-IIA and H3 rockets.
Pioneering 3D printed rockets, developing the Terran 1 (retired) and the larger Terran R launch vehicles, leveraging additive manufacturing for faster and more flexible production.