Comparison of Orbital Launch Systems

icle
Comparison of orbital launch systems

This is a comparison of orbital launch systems. The following exposes the full list of conventional orbital launch
systems. For the short simple list of conventional launcher families, see: Comparison of orbital launchers families.
Spacecraft propulsion[1] is any method used to accelerate spacecraft and artificial satellites. A conventional solid
rocket or a conventional solid-fuel rocket is a rocket with a motor that uses solid propellants (fuel/oxidizer).[2]
Orbital launch systems are rockets and other systems capable of placing payloads into or beyond Earth orbit. All
current spacecraft use conventional chemical rockets (bipropellant or solid-fuel) for launch, though some[3] have
used air-breathing engines on their first stage.[4]
Legend for orbit abbreviations in table:
GEO - Geostationary orbit

GSO - Geosynchronous orbit
GTO - Geostationary transfer orbit
Origin
Manufacturer
Russia
Khrunichev
1.2
Russia
Khrunichev
Russia
Khrunichev
A5
A7
4 40
4 40
4 40
4 42L
4 42L
4 42L
4 42P
HCO - Heliocentric orbit

HEO - High Earth orbit
LEO - Low Earth orbit
MEO - Medium Earth orbit

SSO - Sun-synchronous orbit
TLI - Trans Lunar Injection
Legend for launch system status in below table: [under development] [retired] [operational]
1.1
A3
Mass to
Mass to
Cost
Cost/kg
Cost/kg
LEO
other orbits
(Mil US$)
(LEO)
(GTO)
(kg)
(kg)
(US$)
(US$)
[]
Launches
Status
First flight
Last flight
Vehicle
Development
Angara 1.1
Development
Angara 1.2
Development
Angara A3
Development
Angara A5
Development
Angara A7
3,800
[]
14,600
Russia
Khrunichev
Russia
Khrunichev
2,4003,600 to
50
GTO
(US$70)
[]
24,500 (63)
[6][]
[6][]
[5]
41,000
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
1,400
1,830 to GTO
[]
Arospatiale
Europe
2,270 to GTO
[]
Arospatiale
Europe
Arospatiale
Europe
2,650 to GTO
[]
4,600
2,740 to SSO
[]
[]
Retired
1979
1986
Ariane 1
Retired
1986
1989
Ariane 2
Retired
1984
1989
Ariane 3
[]
Retired
1990
1993
Ariane 4 40
[]
Retired
1995
1995
Ariane 4 40
11
[]
11
[]
1,900 to GTO
[]
Arospatiale
Europe
2,020 to GTO
H10+
[]
Arospatiale
Europe
2,105 to GTO
[]
Retired
1995
1999
Ariane 4 40
H10-3
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
7,000
4,500 to SSO
[]
[]
Retired
1993
1993
Ariane 4 42L
[]
Retired
1994
1994
Ariane 4 42L
3,200 to GTO
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
7,000
[]
3,350 to GTO
H10+
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
7,000
[]
3,480 to GTO
11
[]
Retired
1995
2002
Ariane 4 42L
H10-3
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
6,000
[]
3,400 to SSO
2,600 to GTO
[]
Retired
1990
1992
Ariane 4 42P
4 42P
[]
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
2,740 to GTO
Retired
1992
1994
Ariane 4 42P
H10+
4 42P
[]
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
2,930 to GTO
Retired
1994
2002
Ariane 4 42P
H10-3
4 44L
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
7,000
6,000 to SSO
11
[]
[]
Retired
1989
1992
Ariane 4 44L
Retired
1992
1994
Ariane 4 44L
4,200 to GTO
4 44L
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
7,000
[]
[]
4,460 to GTO
H10+
4 44L
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
7,000
[]
4,720 to GTO
24
[]
Retired
1995
2003
Ariane 4 44L
H10-3
4 44LP
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
7,000
[]
5,000 to SSO
Retired
1988
1993
44LP
3,700 to GTO
4 44LP
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
7,000
Ariane 4
[]
[]
[]
4,030 to GTO
Retired
1992
1995
Ariane 4
44LP H10+
4 44LP
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
7,000
[]
4,220 to GTO
13
[]
Retired
1995
2001
Ariane 4
44LP H10-3
4 44P
Arospatiale
Europe
[]
6,500
4,100 to SSO
[]
Retired
1991
1991
Ariane 4 44P
[]
Retired
1995
2001
Ariane 4 44P
[]
3,000 to GTO
4 44P
[]
Arospatiale
Europe
3,465 to GTO
H10-3
5ECA
[]
EADS Astrium
Europe
5ME
21,000
[]
10,050 to GTO
[]
EADS Astrium
21,000
[]
EADS Astrium
Europe
5G+
18,000
EADS Astrium
Europe
5GS
EADS Astrium
Europe
18,000[citation needed]
EADS Astrium
[]
8,000 to GTO
220
[]
6,900
[]
Operational
31
2002
[7]
0
Development
[]
10,476
[]
Operational
2008
[8]
1996
2003
Ariane 5G
[8]
2004
2004
Ariane 5G+
[8]
2005
2009
Ariane 5GS
16
[]
7,100 to GTO
[]
[]
[]
6,600 to GTO
6,800 to GTO
Europe
India
10,476
Ariane 5ME
11,200 to GTO
Europe
5G
[]
[]
EADS Astrium
Europe
5ES
220
[]
93
Ariane 5ES
Retired
Retired
Retired
Development
[9]
Ariane 6
1987
1994
ASLV
1995
2001
Athena I
ISRO
[10]
UnitedLockheed Martin
Retired
States
UnitedATK
Ic
States
II
Development
Athena Ic
Lockheed Martin
[12]
Retired[citation needed]
1998
1999
Athena II
States
UnitedATK
IIc
States
entaur
UnitedLockheed
States
Development
Athena IIc
3,833 to GTO[citation
148
Retired
1962
1983
Atlas-Centaur
[]
Retired
1984
1989
Atlas G
needed]
UnitedLockheed
States
Lockheed Martin
[]
5,900
2,222 to GTO
1,179 to HCO
[]
/MSD
UnitedLockheed
Retired
1983
1987
Atlas H/MSD
[]
Retired
1990
1997
Atlas I
[]
Retired
1991
1998
Atlas II
[]
Retired
1992
2002
Atlas IIA
[]
Retired
1993
2004
Atlas IIAS
[]
Retired
2000
2004
Atlas IIIA
[]
Retired
2002
2002
Atlas
States
[]
5,900
[]
2,340
11
States
[]
6,780
States
[]
7,316
States
[]
8,618
States
23
[]
30
[]
3,833 to GTO
[]
8,686
4,060 to GTO
2,970 to HCO
[]
10,759
[]
4,609 to GTO
IIIB/DEC
States
[]
3,180 to GTO
2,680 to HCO
States
EC
10
2,160 to HCO
IA
[]
2,000 to HCO
AS
2,810 to GTO
[]
4,193 to GTO
[]
Retired
2003
2005
IIIB/SEC
States
401
UnitedUnited Launch Alliance
[]
9,050
States
411
[]
9,050
States
[]
9,050
States
125
[]
13,812
[]
[]
Operational
2002
Atlas V 401
[]
Operational
2006
Atlas V 411
[]
Operational
2007
Atlas V 421
[]
Operational
2005
Atlas V 431
[]
Operational
2010
Atlas V 501
[]
Operational
[]
Operational
2003
Atlas V 521
[]
Operational
2010
Atlas V 531
[]
Operational
[]
Operational
18
8,495 to SSO
[]
[]
[]
9,050 to SSO
7,000 to GTO
[]
9,050
States
501
[]
6,075 to GTO
431
6,670 to SSO
4,950 to GTO
421
Atlas
9,050 to SSO
7,800 to GTO
[]
8,250
States
5,945 to SSO
3,970 to GTO
[]
1,500 to GEO
511
[]
10,950
States
7,820 to SSO
Atlas V 511
5,370 to GTO
[]
1,750 to GEO
521
[]
13,300
States
9,585 to SSO
6,485 to GTO
[]
2,760 to GEO
531
[]
15,300
States
11,160 to SSO
7,425 to GTO
[]
3,250 to GEO
541
[]
17,100
States
12,435 to SSO
[]
223 (2013)
27,063
Atlas V 541
8,240 to GTO
[]
3,730 to GEO
551
Arrow
[]
18,500
States
12,435 to SSO
2006
Atlas V 551
8,700 to GTO
[]
3,960 to GEO
UnitedRAE
Kingdom
73
Retired
1969
[13]
1971
Black Arrow
rcial
UnitedMartin Marietta
4
4
Retired
1990
1992
Titan III
States
300
Commercial
UnitedMcDonnell Douglas
700[citation needed]
370 to SSO[citation needed]
[]
[]
1972
1973
Delta 0300
Retired
States
900
[]
1,300
[]
818 to SSO
[]
Retired
1972
1972
Delta 0900
[]
Retired
1975
1975
Delta 1410
[]
Retired
1972
1973
Delta 1604
[]
Retired
1973
1973
Delta 1900
[]
Retired
1975
1975
Delta 1910
[]
Retired
1973
1973
Delta 1913
[]
Retired
1972
1973
Delta 1914
[]
Retired
1974
1981
Delta 2310
[]
Retired
1974
1977
Delta 2313
[]
Retired
1975
1978
Delta 2910
[]
Retired
1975
1976
Delta 2913
[]
Retired
1974
1979
Delta 2914
[]
Retired
1980
1988
Delta 3910
Retired
1981
1981
Delta 3913
[]
Retired
1975
1987
Delta 3914
[]
Retired
1982
1989
Delta 3920
[]
Retired
1982
1984
Delta 3924
[]
Retired
1989
1990
Delta 4925
[]
Retired
1989
1989
Delta 5920
[]
Retired
1990
1992
Delta II 6920
Retired
1989
1992
Delta II 6925
States
410
States
604
States
900
[]
1,800
States
910
States
913
States
914
States
310
States
313
States
910
[]
1,887
States
913
[]
2,000
[]
700 to GTO
States
914
[]
724 to GTO
30
States
910
[]
2,494
States
913
1,154 to GTO with
[]
10
PAM-D
[]
States
914
[]
954 to GTO
13
States
920
[]
3,452
States
924
1,284 to GTO with
[]
10
PAM-D
[]
1,104 to GTO
States
925
[]
3,400
[]
1,312 to GTO
States
920
[]
3,848
States
6920
[]
3,983
States
6925
States
[]
1,447 to GTO
14
[]
7320
[14][]
2,865
[14][]
1,651 to SSO
10
[]
Retired
1999
2011
Delta II 7320
States
7326
UnitedBoeing IDS
[]
934 to GTO
States
Retired
Delta II 7326
1998[citation
needed]
636 to TLI
[14][]
629 to HCO
7420
[14][]
3,185
[14][]
1,966 to SSO
[]
Retired
1998
2010
Delta II 7420
[]
Retired
1998
2002
Delta II 7425
[]
Retired
1999
1999
Delta II 7426
[]
Operational
1998
2011
Delta II 7920
[]
Retired
1990
2009
Delta II 7925
Retired
2003
2011
Delta II-H
13
States
7425
UnitedBoeing IDS
1,100 to GTO
States
7426
[14][]
804 to HCO
UnitedBoeing IDS
1,058 to GTO
States
734 to TLI
[14][]
711 to HCO
7920
[14][]
5,030
[14][]
3,123 to SSO
27
States
7925
UnitedBoeing IDS
States
[14][]
[14][]
[]
6,097
7920H
States
[]
2,171 to GTO
States
UnitedBoeing IDS
[]
8,292
2003
Operational
1,508 to
[citation
HCO
needed]
[14][]
I 8930
2007
Delta II-H
7925H
[15]
[]
[]
3,810 to GTO
Retired
1998
Operational
2004
[]
Retired
2003
[]
Operational
2002
2000
Delta III 8930
States
V-H
[]
22,950
12,980 to GTO
[]
[16]
300(220)
States
V-M
5,4)
1,177 to TLI
HCO
-H
5,2)
69
1,265 to
-H
4,2)
1,819 to GTO
13,072[citation
Delta IV-H
needed]
UnitedBoeing IDS
[]
8,120
States
4,210 to GTO
2006
Delta IV-M
[]
2,722 to HCO
[17]
11,750
[17]
5,740 to GTO
Delta
IV-M+(4,2)
States
[17]
10,250
[17]
[]
4,590 to GTO
Operational
Delta
IV-M+(5,2)
States
[17]
13,500
[17]
[]
6,470 to GTO
Operational
2009
[18]
Delta
IV-M+(5,4)
States
France
SEREB
Ukraine
Yuzhmash
[]
[5]
3,700
14(10)
3,784[citation
12
Retired
1965
1975
Diamant
16
Operational
1999
Retired
1987
1987
Energia
Retired
1988
1988
Energia-Buran
Dnepr-1
needed]
[19]
Soviet NPO Energia
[]
100,000
Union
-Buran
1
States
[20]
240
[]
32,000 to TLI
Soviet NPO Energia (Launcher)

Union
[]
[]
20,000 to GTO
NPO Molniya (Orbiter)
[]
[21]
30,000
Japan IHI Aerospace[]
1,200
[]
UnitedSpaceX
[]
Epsilon
Development
7[citation needed]
[]
5
Retired
2006
2009
Falcon 1
1e
UnitedSpaceX
6
10.9
10,792[citation
States
9 v1.0
UnitedSpaceX
[][][]
10,450
[]
4,680 to GTO
[]
5,359[citation
56
States
9 v1.1
[]
Falcon 1e
Retired
needed]
[22]
2010
2013
Falcon 9 v1.0
Retired
needed]
UnitedSpaceX
[]
16,625
[]
5,760 to GTO
[]
56
[23]
Development
[23]
Development
2013
Falcon 9 v1.1
4,109
States
Heavy
UnitedSpaceX
[][]
53,000
States
[]
[]
12,000 to GTO
[]
83128
Falcon Heavy
2,200
16,000 to TLI
India
[24][25]
Retired
2001
2001
GSLV
ISRO
Mk.I(a)
India
ISRO
Retired
2004
2007[citation
needed]
GSLV
Mk.I(b)
[27]
India
ISRO
1[citation needed]
Operational
2010
GSLV
Mk.I(c)
India
Mk.II
Mk.III
India
[29]
ISRO
Operational
2010
GSLV Mk.II
2,500
[30]
ISRO
Mitsubishi Heavy
Japan
Industries
United
[]
Development
GSLV Mk.III
Retired
1986
1992
H-I
[][31]
Retired
1994
1998
H-II
[]
Operational
2001
[]
Operational
2006
2006
H-IIA 204
[]
Retired
2005
2007
H-IIA 2022
[]
Retired
2002
2008
H-IIA 2024
[32]
Operational
2009
[]
Retired
1995
1995
H-II/SSB
[33][]
Retired
1999
1999
H-IIS
0(+1)
Retired
1996
1996
J-I
Operational
2002
5,000
needed]
States
Japan
Mitsubishi Heavy
5
Industries
02
Japan
[]
Mitsubishi Heavy
10,000
[]
3,800 to GTO
H-IIA 202
Industries
04
Japan
[]
Mitsubishi Heavy
5,800 to GTO
Industries
022
Japan
[]
Mitsubishi Heavy
4,200
Industries
024
Japan
Mitsubishi Heavy
7
Industries
04
Japan
[]
Mitsubishi Heavy
16,500
[]
8,000
Wikipedia:Link
H-IIB 304
Industries
rot
Japan
Mitsubishi Heavy
1
Industries
Japan
Mitsubishi Heavy
1
Industries
Japan IHI Corporation

[]
Nissan Motors
he-1
China
CALT
2003[citation
Kaituozhe-1
needed]
s-3M
Soviet NPO Polyot

Union
[5]
1,500
12 million
Operational[citation
needed]
Russia
1967
2010[citation
needed]
Kosmos-3M
a 4S
March 1
March
March
March
March
March
March
March

Japan Nissan Motors[]
China
CALT
China
China
March
March 5
March 6
March 7
1969
1971[citation
0(+3)
1995
[35]
2002
Lambda 4S
Long March 1
China
CALT
Retired
32
1974
1974[citation
Operational
CALT
14
Operational
CALT
7[citation needed]
Retired
Long March
1992[citation
1990
2D
1995[citation
needed]
China
China
CALT
CALT
Operational
Operational
2A
2C
needed]
China
Long March
Long March
1975[citation
needed]
China
Long March
1D
needed]
Long March
2E
Long March
1999 [citation
needed]
2F
2011
Long March
2F/G
CALT
March
[34]
Retired
CALT
China
March
1970[citation
needed]
March
March
1966
CALT
CALT
March
Retired
needed]
China
March
26
needed]
March 3
March
[]
14
[36]
2,650 to GTO
23[citation needed]
Retired
1984
Long March 3
Operational
1994
Long March
3A
China
[][]
CALT
10[citation needed]
[source needs
11,200
Operational
1996
Long March
3B
translation]
China
CALT
5,500 to GTO
[]
Operational
Long March
2007[citation
3B/E
needed]
China
CALT
Long March
Development[citation
3B(A)
needed]
China
CALT
3,700
[]
Operational
2008
Long March
3C
[citation needed]
China
CALT
Retired
1988
1990[citation
[citation needed]
China
CALT
[37]
4,200
18
[37]
needed]
Operational
1999
[37]
Long March
4A
Long March
4B
China
CALT
Operational
2007[citation
needed]
China
CALT
25,000
[]
14,000 to GTO
[]
Long March
4C
Long March 5
needed]
China
CALT
Long March 6
needed]
since 2009
China
CALT
Development
[citation
since 2009
needed]
Long March 7
March 9
China
[38]
CALT
8
0
Development
Long March 9
Retired
1997
2006
M-V
Operational
2000
2011
Minotaur I
130,000
[]
(-2000)
1,800 - 1,850
[]
IHI AEROSPACE
(-2006)
ur I
UnitedOrbital
[]
580
10
[]
States
ur IV
[39]
UnitedOrbital
Operational
3(+2)
2010
[39]
2011
[39]
Minotaur IV
States
ur V
UnitedOrbital
Operational
2013
[39]
Minotaur V
447 to TLI
States
[39]
640 to GTO
Soviet RSC Energia
24
[40]
Retired
1960
1965
[40]
Molniya
Union
a-M
Soviet RSC Energia
275
Retired
1964
2010
Molniya-M
[]
Retired
1974
1979
Mu-3C
[]
Retired
1977
1978
Mu-3H
[]
Retired
1980
Union
Russia
195
300
300
1984[citation
Mu-3S
needed]
770
[]
Retired
1985
1995
Mu-3SII
180
[]
Retired
1971
1972
Mu-4S
Soviet NPO Energia
95,000
Retired
1969
1972
N1
Retired
1975
[][41][42][43]
Union
[]
Mitsubishi Heavy
Japan
Industries
United
1982[citation
N-I
needed]
States
Mitsubishi Heavy
Japan
Industries
United
Retired
1981
1987[citation
N-II
needed]
States
South
KARI/Khrunichev
Retired
2009
2013
Retired
1998
1998
Operational
1990
Naro-1
Korea
Russia
an
North KCST
Korea
UnitedOrbital
443
41
[44]
2012
[44]
Pegasus
States
II
UnitedOrbital
[]
6,120
[]
Development
Pegasus II
2,000 to GTO
States
Soviet RSC Energia
1,400
Retired
1963
Union
1964[citation
Polyot
needed]
Soviet Khrunichev
Union
4,930[citation needed] to
GTO
Russia
311
[45]
Retired
1965
2012[citation
needed]
Proton-K
[]
Soviet Khrunichev
[]
21,600
6,150 to GTO
9
[]
85
[]
4,302
61
[45]
Operational
Union
Proton-M
2001[citation
needed]
Russia
India
[]
ISRO
11
1,600 to SSO
3,200
Operational
[]
needed]
1,050 to GTO
CA
XL
India
ISRO
India
ISRO
[]
[]
2,800
PSLV
1993[citation
Operational
2007
PSLV-CA
Operational
2008
PSLV-XL
Development
1,100 to SSO
[]
1,750 to SSO
3,800
[]
1,300 to GTO
HP
India
[]
ISRO
1,900 to SSO
4,000
PSLV-HP
[]
1,440 to GTO
Russia
Khrunichev
[]
1,950
7,179[citation
14
14
[]
Operational
1990
Operational
2008
needed]
Iran
Iranian Space Agency
2012[citation
Safir
needed]
UnitedChrysler (S-I)
States
10
UnitedChrysler (S-IB)
Retired
1961
1965
[46]
Saturn I
[47]
Retired
1966
1975
Saturn IB
Retired
1967
1973
Saturn V
125
Retired
1961
1994
Scout
Operational
1988
2010
Shavit
Operational
1998
Douglas (S-IVB)
States
[46]
Douglas (S-IV)
[]
UnitedBoeing (S-IC)
118,000
North American(S-II)
States
[]
47,000 to TLI
185 (1.16 billion
9,915[citation
in 2013)
needed]
[]
13
[48][49][50]
Douglas(S-IVB)
UnitedUS Air Force/NASA
150
States
Israel
IAE
160
15
Russia
Makeyev
160 - 430
2006[citation
Shtil'
Simorgh
IranIranian
[][51]
60-100
Space
needed]
Agency
ock 1
[]
UnitedAlliant
States
Development
SLS Block 1
Development
SLS Block 2
70,000
Techsystems(SRBs)
[52]
Boeing(proposed)
ock 2
[]
UnitedAlliant
States
130,000
Techsystems(SRBs)
[53]
Soviet RSC Energia
6,450
30
Retired
1966
1975
Soyuz
Soviet RSC Energia
5,500
Retired
1970
1971
Soyuz-L
Soviet RSC Energia
6,600
Retired
1971
1976
Soyuz-M
Soviet TsSKB-Progress
6,2006,700kg from
727
Operational
1973
92
Retired
1982
Union
Union
M
Union
U
Union
Soyuz-U
Plesetsk)
Russia
6590-6950 from
[54]
Baikonour
U2
Soviet TsSKB-Progress
Union
Russia
ISRO
India
40[citation needed]
4[citation
needed]
Boeing(proposed)
SLV
1995
Soyuz-U2
1979
1983[citation
needed]
FG
Russia
TsSKB-Progress
Russia
TsSKB-Progress
2.1b
Russia
TsSKB-Progress
2.1v
Russia
TsSKB-Progress
2.1a
huttle
10
[55]
29
Operational
7(+1)
Operational
2001
Soyuz-FG
6,7907130kg
2004
UnitedAlliant Techsystems
2,850
[21]
24,400
300
[]
10,416
[]
Operational
Development
[]
[56]
Soyuz-2.1a
2011
Soyuz-2.1b
Soyuz-2.1v
Retired
1981
2011
Space Shuttle
Retired
1957
1957
Sputnik
135
(SRBs)
States
Martin Marietta (ET)

Rockwell International
(Orbiter)
Soviet RSC Energia
500
8K71PS
Union
8A91
Soviet RSC Energia
1,327
Retired
1958
Operational
1993
1958
Sputnik 8A91
Union
Russia
MITT
167 to SSO[citation needed]
7[citation needed]
2006[citation
Start-1
needed]
aunch
UnitedStratolaunch Systems
[]
[]
6,100
Development
2016
[]
StratoLaunch
States
Russia
Khrunichev
1,700
5 million.
[5]
2003
2003
Strela
needed]
Haas
ARCA
Romania
UnitedOrbital
2,600
Development
9[citation needed]
[57]
Super Haas
1994
Operational
States
2011[citation
Taurus
needed]
UnitedOrbital
[]
[]
Operational
2013
2013
Antares
11(+1)
Retired
1964
1966
Titan II GLV
13
Retired
1988
2003
Titan II(23)G
Retired
1964
1965
Titan IIIA
6,000
1,900 to GTO
States
GLV
States
(23)G
States
IA
States
IB
70
Retired
1966
1987
Titan IIIB
36
Retired
1965
1982
Titan IIIC
22
Retired
1971
1982
Titan IIID
Retired
1974
1977
Titan IIID
15
Retired
1982
1989
Titan 34D
[58]
Retired
1989
1998
Titan IVA
[58]
Retired
1997
2005
Titan IVB
States
IC
States
ID
States
IE
States
4D
States
VA
22
States
VB
States
[]
21,682
5,761 to GTO
[]
432
13,836[citation
needed]
(9,000 with upper

stage)
17
or II
CONAE
Argentina
n-2A
Soviet Yuzhmash
[59]
Tronador 2.0
Retired
1967
[60]
Retired
1969
[61]
Retired
1969
Tsyklon-2A
Soviet Yuzhmash
106
2006
[60]
Tsyklon-2
[61]
Tsyklon-3
Union
Ukraine
n-3
Soviet Yuzhmash
1977
122
2009
Union
Ukraine
n-4
Yuzhmash
[]
Ukraine
5,500
North KCST
1,700 to GTO
[]
Development
2[citation needed]
Korea
Tsyklon-4
2006
2009[citation
needed]
UnitedMartin
rd
23[citation needed]
11(+1)
Retired
Operational
Unha
needed]
1957
1959
Vanguard
States
ESA/ASI
1,500
Europe
23.5
[62]
15,600[citation
Brazil
AEB, INPE
Russia
Makeyev
Vega
2012
[63]
needed]
[64]
380
Operational
1997
2003
VLS-1
2005
Volna
2
100
1(+5)[A]
1995
[65]
needed]
Soviet RSC Energia
306
Retired
1963
1976
Voskhod
Soviet RSC Energia
Retired
1960
1960
Vostok-L
Soviet RSC Energia
16
Retired
1960
Union
L
Union
K
Union
45
Retired
1962
Union
Vostok-K
1967[citation
Vostok-2
needed]
Soviet RSC Energia
93[citation needed]
Retired
1964
Union
Vostok
1964[citation
needed]
Soviet RSC Energia
2M
1991[citation
Vostok-2M
needed]
Soviet RSC Energia
Retired
1965
Union
1966[citation
Soyuz/Vostok
needed]
[66]
Soviet Yuzhnoye
13,740
37
[32]
Retired
1985
2004
[67]
Zenit-2
Union
Ukraine
[66]
Yuzhnoye
Ukraine
Operational
2007
Zenit-2M
13,920
(2SLB)
UkraineYuzhnoye[68]
SL
UkraineYuzhmash
SLB
Development
Union
n-2
11
RKK Energia
UkraineYuzhmash
RKK Energia
[69]
[68]
6,000 to GTO
[]
needed]
[]
Operational
2011
Zenit-3F
30
Operational
1999
Zenit-3SL
Operational
2008
Zenit-3SLB
100
4[citation needed]
Proposed and design concepts

Non-rocket spacelaunch
Notes
[1] There are many different methods. Each method has drawbacks and advantages, and spacecraft propulsion is an active area of research.
However, most spacecraft today are propelled by forcing a gas from the back/rear of the vehicle at very high speed through a supersonic de
Laval nozzle. This sort of engine is called a rocket engine.
[2] The first medieval rockets were solid-fuel rockets powered by gunpowder; they were used by the Chinese, Indians, Mongols and Arabs, in
warfare as early as the 13th century.
[3] Such as the Pegasus rocket and SpaceShipOne.
[4] Most satellites have simple reliable chemical thrusters (often monopropellant rockets) or resistojet rockets for orbital station-keeping and
some use momentum wheels for attitude control. Soviet bloc satellites have used electric propulsion for decades, and newer Western
geo-orbiting spacecraft are starting to use them for north-south stationkeeping and orbit raising. Interplanetary vehicles mostly use chemical
rockets as well, although a few have used ion thrusters and Hall effect thrusters (two different types of electric propulsion) to great success.
[5] European Space Directory 2006. Referenced in: Brian Harvey, The Rebirth of the Russian Space Program. p.296.
[6] - (http:/ / www. khrunichev. ru/ main. php?id=44), date unknown, Retrieved 2010-08-09.
[7] A full listing of the Ariane 5 launch history is in its main article.
[8] Flight V193 was the seventh Ariane 5 launch of 2009 and used the last of the GS version of the launcher. (http:/ / www. esa. int/ esaCP/
SEM5TFAK73G_index_0. html)
[9] (http:/ / www. isro. org/ Launchvehicles/ launchvehicles. aspx#ASLV)
[10] Encyclopedia Astronautica, Athena 1 (http:/ / www. astronautix. com/ lvs/ athena1. htm)
[11] Lockheed Martin and ATK Announce 2nd Generation Athena Launch Vehicles (http:/ / www. lockheedmartin. com/ news/ press_releases/
2010/ 0325_ss_athena. html)
[12] Encyclopedia Astronautica, Athena 2 (http:/ / www. astronautix. com/ lvs/ athena2. htm)
[13] Suborbital test in 1969, first orbital launch attempt in 1970
[14] With 9.5 foot (2.9 metre) fairing
[15] No flights planned, but 5 unsold heavies could be used.
[17] Space launch report -Delta4 (http:/ / www. spacelaunchreport. com/ delta4. html)
[18] New communications craft launched for U.S. military (http:/ / www. spaceflightnow. com/ delta/ d346/ ), Spaceflight Now, 5 Dec 2009
[19] Without Buran, and assuming payload providing orbital insertion
[20] Encyclopedia Astronautica quotes Energia's "flyaway unit cost" at "$764 million in 1985 dollars". However the realistic exchange rate of
Soviet currency was drastically different from the official conversion rate which had been set by decree at 0.8 Soviet rubles per US$1.
Unofficially one US dollar in 1980s was in terms of purchasing power roughly equivalent to four Soviet rubles.
[21] The US Space Shuttle Transportation System and the Soviet Energia-Buran system, consist of launch vehicle rockets and returnable
spaceplane orbiter. Payload values listed here are for the mass of the payload in cargo bay of the spaceplanes, excluding the mass of the
spaceplanes themselves.
[23] Upgraded Spacex Falcon 9.1.1 will launch 25% more than old Falcon 9 and bring price down to $4109 per kilogram to LEO (http:/ /
nextbigfuture. com/ 2013/ 03/ upgraded-spacex-falcon-911-will-launch. html), NextBigFuture, 22 Mar 2013.
[24] (http:/ / www. isro. org/ gslv-d1/ gslv-d1. aspx)
[26] (http:/ / www. isro. org/ gslv-f01/ gslv-f01. aspx)
[27] (http:/ / www. isro. org/ gslv-f04/ gslv-f04. aspx)
[29] ISRO GSLV Mark I & Mark II (http:/ / www. isro. org/ Launchvehicles/ GSLV/ gslv. aspx), Indian Space Research Organisation, 2008,
accessed 2010-12-26.
[30] Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III, ISRO (http:/ / www. isro. gov. in/ Launchvehicles/ GSLVMARKIII/ mark3. aspx)
[31] Not including two launches made using the H-II/SSB and H-IIS configurations
[32] Space launch report - launch success rates (http:/ / www. spacelaunchreport. com/ log2011. html#rate)
[33] Only launch failed to achieve orbit
[34] Long March 1 (http:/ / astronautix. com/ lvs/ cz1. htm)
[35] Suborbital test flights in 1995, 1997 and 2002, no orbital launches attempted
[36] (http:/ / war. news. 163. com/ 11/ 1029/ 18/ 7HI8TGRJ00014J0G. html),
.
[37] http:/ / space. skyrocket. de/ doc_lau_det/ cz-4b. htm
[38] http:/ / www. americaspace. com/ ?p=22881
[39] http:/ / www. orbital. com/ SpaceLaunch/ Minotaur/ History/ minotaur_history. shtml
[40] http:/ / space. skyrocket. de/ doc_lau/ molniya. htm
12

[41] Astronautix.com about N1-L3 (http:/ / www. astronautix. com/ craft/ l3. htm)
[42] S.P.Korolev RSC Energia about N1-L3 components (http:/ / www. energia. ru/ en/ history/ systems/ vehicles/ vehicle_n1-l3_c. html)
[43] The N1 rocket was initially designed for 75mt LEO capacity and launch attempts were made with this version, but there were studies to
increase the payload capacity to 9095 mt, if a liquid-hydrogen upper stage engine could be developed.
[44] http:/ / www. orbital. com/ SpaceLaunch/ Pegasus/ pegasus_history. shtml
[45] Encyclopedia Astronautica - Proton (http:/ / www. astronautix. com/ lvs/ proton. htm)
[46] http:/ / space. skyrocket. de/ doc_lau/ saturn-1. htm
[48] Alan Lawrie and Robert Godwin, Saturn (http:/ / www. apogeespacebooks. com/ Books/ Saturn. html), 2005 (paperback, Apogee Books
Space Series, 2010), ISBN 1-894959-19-1
[49] John Duncan, Saturn V Flight History (http:/ / www. apollosaturn. com/ satvhist. htm) (1999), web page (accessed 20 August 2010)
[50] The Saturn V made 13 launches, 12 of which reached the correct orbits, and the other (Apollo 6) reached a different orbit than the one which
had been planned; however, some mission objectives could still be completed; NASA, Saturn V News Reference, Appendix: Saturn V Flight
History (1968) (http:/ / history. msfc. nasa. gov/ saturn_apollo/ documents/ Flight_History. pdf). For more information, see the Saturn V
article. The Saturn V launch record is usually quoted as having never failed, e.g. "The rocket was masterminded by Wernher Von Braun and
did not fail in any of its flights", Alan Lawrie and Robert Godwin; Saturn (http:/ / www. apogeespacebooks. com/ Books/ Saturn. html), but
the Apollo 6 launch should be considered a partial mission failure. The 13th launch of Saturn V was in special configuration (SA-513) with
the Skylab.
[52] http:/ / www. nasa. gov/ pdf/ 594163main_2011-SLS_Industry_Day_Final_Public1-1_rev2. pdf
[53] http:/ / www. nasa. gov/ pdf/ 594163main_2011-SLS_Industry_Day_Final_Public1-1_rev2. pdf
[54] "Soyuz-U" launch vehicle (http:/ / www. samspace. ru/ ENG/ RN/ souz_u. htm) State Research and Production Space-Rocket Center
"TsSKB-Progress"
[55] "Soyuz-FG" launch vehicle (http:/ / www. samspace. ru/ ENG/ RN/ souz_fg. htm) State Research and Production Space-Rocket Center
"TsSKB-Progress"
[56] Suborbital test flight in 2004, first orbital launch in 2006
[57] http:/ / www. orbital. com/ spacelaunch/ taurus/
[58] http:/ / space. skyrocket. de/ doc_lau/ titan-4. htm
[59] http:/ / space. skyrocket. de/ doc_lau_det/ tsiklon-2a. htm
[60] http:/ / space. skyrocket. de/ doc_lau_det/ tsiklon-2. htm
[61] http:/ / space. skyrocket. de/ doc_lau_det/ tsiklon-3. htm
[62] Space Launch Report (http:/ / www. spacelaunchreport. com/ vega. html)
[63] ESA Website (http:/ / www. esa. int/ esaMI/ Launchers_Access_to_Space/ ASEKMU0TCNC_0. html)
[64] A third rocket exploded before launch
[65] First orbital launch attempt in 2005
[66] Space launch report -zenit (http:/ / www. spacelaunchreport. com/ zenit. html)
[67] Zenit launch log (http:/ / www. russianspaceweb. com/ zenit. html)
[68] Operated by Land Launch
[69] Operated by Sea Launch
References
13
Article Sources and Contributors
Article Sources and Contributors

Comparison of orbital launch systems Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=571922074 Contributors: 32alpha4tango, 84user, AAM2, Aflafla1, Ajh1492, Alereon, Alexchris,
Alinor, Alogrin, Alvez3, Angusmclellan, Anomie, Aremisasling, Art Navsegda, Avmich, Beaucouplusneutre, Bgwhite, BladeStopper, BlatantHeroics, CASfan, ChiZeroOne, Chris the speller,
Cobbaut, ColdCase, CommonsDelinker, Craigboy, CyrilleDunant, Daveduv, Denvercoder9, Derek R Bullamore, Dragos muresan, Drbreznjev, Driftwoodzebulin, Duk, Edetic, ElanKeene,
Enemenemu, F-j123, F.branz, Ffejmopp, Fl295, FlyAkwa, Fotaun, Full Shunyata, Geoffrey.landis, Glloq, GrampaScience, Gwano, Hartze11, Heilme, Hektor, Hevertonfreitas, Hibernian,
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Laurent Simon, LilHelpa, Lostart, Lsorin, MBK004, Markstencel, Martin451, Michael Zimmermann, Midgetgiant, Mild Bill Hiccup, Mith06, Mjabb, Mnw2000, MoJo37C, Monarchbala,
Monty669, N2e, Nanobear, NorsemanII, Nova77, Odubhain, Op47, Ospalh, Otommod, Potatoswatter, Prodego, R.Schuster, Reallpw, Rebbargynnep, Reddi, Redrose64, Rich Farmbrough, Rillian,
Rjwilmsi, Rpapo, Rwboa22, SBaker43, Sahrin, Savemaxim, SchuminWeb, Scjessey, Sdsds, Shen333, Shooter6947, Spunking, Statue2, StuffOfInterest, Tarlneustaedter, Teaktl17, TeslaBoy,
TestPilot, The PIPE, Thorenn, Timjones0674, Tom Paine, Trickedouttraxxas, Vedant, Vedranf, Vitall, WDGraham, WDGraham (public), WatcherZero, Wavesonics, Wilee, Wwoods, Xarqi,
Xixi57, Ysangkok, Zundark, 190 anonymous edits
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File:Flag of Russia.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Russia.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie, Zscout370
File:Flag of Europe.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Europe.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: User:Verdy p, User:-xfi-, User:Paddu,
User:Nightstallion, User:Funakoshi, User:Jeltz, User:Dbenbenn, User:Zscout370
File:Flag of India.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_India.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie, Mifter
File:Flag of the United States.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_United_States.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie
File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_United_Kingdom.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie, Good
Olfactory, Mifter
File:Flag of France.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_France.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie
File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Ukraine.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Created by: Jon Harald Sby, colors by Zscout370
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Alvis Jean, Art-top, BagnoHax, Beetsyres34, Brandmeister, Counny, Cycn, Denniss, Dynamicwork, ELeschev, Endless-tripper, Ericmetro, EugeneZelenko, F l a n k e r, Fred J, Fry1989,
G.dallorto, Garynysmon, Herbythyme, Homo lupus, Jake Wartenberg, MaggotMaster, MrAustin390, Ms2ger, Nightstallion, Palosirkka, Patrickpedia, PeaceKeeper97, Pianist, R-41, Rainforest
tropicana, Sebyugez, Skeezix1000, Solbris, Storkk, Str4nd, Tabasco, ThomasPusch, Toben, Twilight Chill, Xgeorg, Zscout370, , 4, 65 anonymous edits
File:Flag of Japan.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Japan.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie
File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_the_People's_Republic_of_China.svg License: Public Domain Contributors:
Drawn by User:SKopp, redrawn by User:Denelson83 and User:Zscout370 Recode by cs:User:-xfi- (code), User:Shizhao (colors)
File:Flag of South Korea.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_South_Korea.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Various
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File:Flag of Iran.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Iran.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Various
File:Flag of Israel.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Israel.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: The Provisional Council of State Proclamation of the
Flag of the State of Israel of 25 Tishrei 5709 (28 October 1948) provides the official specification for the design of the Israeli flag. The color of the Magen David and the stripes of the Israeli flag
is not precisely specified by the above legislation. The color depicted in the current version of the image is typical of flags used in Israel today, although individual flags can and do vary. The flag
legislation officially specifies dimensions of 220 cm 160 cm. However, the sizes of actual flags vary (although the aspect ratio is usually retained).
File:Flag of Romania.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Romania.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: AdiJapan
File:Flag of Argentina.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Argentina.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Government of Argentina (Vector graphics by
Dbenbenn)
File:Flag of Brazil.svg Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flag_of_Brazil.svg License: Public Domain Contributors: Anomie
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Comparison of orbital launch systems

Comparison of orbital launch systems

GEO - Geostationary orbit

HCO - Heliocentric orbit

MEO - Medium Earth orbit

Comparison of orbital launch systems

Comparison of orbital launch systems

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

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Comparison of orbital launch systems

370 to SSO[citation needed]

1,154 to GTO with

1,284 to GTO with

Comparison of orbital launch systems

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

Delta III 8930

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

UnitedUnited Launch Alliance

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Soviet NPO Energia

Soviet NPO Energia (Launcher)

NPO Molniya (Orbiter)

Japan IHI Aerospace[]

Comparison of orbital launch systems

Japan IHI Corporation

Soviet NPO Polyot

Comparison of orbital launch systems

Comparison of orbital launch systems

Japan Nissan Motors[]

Soviet RSC Energia

Soviet RSC Energia

Japan Nissan Motors[]

Japan Nissan Motors[]

Japan Nissan Motors[]

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Soviet NPO Energia

Soviet RSC Energia

Comparison of orbital launch systems

Iranian Space Agency

185 (1.16 billion

UnitedUS Air Force/NASA

Soviet RSC Energia

Soviet RSC Energia

Soviet RSC Energia

Comparison of orbital launch systems