An expendable launch system throws away the rocket in order to launch some object, called the "payload". Usually the goal is to get the load into low Earth orbit.
Expendable launchers have been simple modifications of 1950's era ballistic missiles. Since the entire vehicle is discarded after launch, they may seem like an expensive launch method, but in practice they are cheaper than the space shuttle (see the shuttle article for a discussion of its economics). Most satellites are launched using expendable launchers because they are perceived as a having a low risk of mission failure, a short time to launch, and a relatively low cost.
Launchers in current use include:
- Ariane 4
- Ariane 5
- Atlas 5
- Delta 2
- Delta 4
- H-2A rocket
- Long March rocket
- Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
- Proton rocket
- Sea Launch
- Soyuz launch vehicle
- Titan IV
Planned launchers include:
Historical launchers include:
- Ariane 1
- Ariane 2 and Ariane 3
- Atlas rocket
- Delta 3
- Diamant
- Energiya
- Europa rocket
- Saturn V
- Titan I (see Titan rocket)
- Titan II
- Titan III
See also space transport and spacecraft propulsion.