This comparison of orbital launch systems lists the attributes of all current and future individual rocket configurations designed to reach orbit. A first list contains rockets that are operational or have attempted an orbital flight attempt as of 2024; a second list includes all upcoming rockets. For the simple list of all conventional launcher families, see: Comparison of orbital launchers families. For the list of predominantly solid-fueled orbital launch systems, see: Comparison of solid-fueled orbital launch systems.
Spacecraft propulsion [note 1] is any method used to accelerate spacecraft and artificial satellites. Orbital launch systems are rockets and other systems capable of placing payloads into or beyond Earth orbit. All launch vehicle propulsion systems employed to date have been chemical rockets falling into one of three main categories:
All current spacecraft use conventional chemical rockets (solid-fuel or liquid bipropellant) for launch, though some [note 3] have used air-breathing engines on their first stage. [note 4]
Orbits legend:
Upcoming launch vehicles
The following chart shows the number of launch systems developed in each country, and broken down by operational status. Rocket variants are not distinguished; i.e., the Atlas V series is only counted once for all its configurations 401–431, 501–551, 552, and N22.
BFR in fully reusable configuration, without any orbital refueling, we expect to have a payload capability of 150 tonnes to low Earth orbit and that compares to about 30 for Falcon Heavy
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link)