What defines an expendable launch system (ELV)?

An expendable launch system, or ELV, is a launch vehicle designed for a single use. After its mission, its components are either destroyed during reentry or impact with Earth, or they are discarded in space.

What are the primary advantages of expendable launch vehicles (ELVs) compared to reusable systems?

ELVs are generally simpler in design, potentially leading to lower production costs. Additionally, they can dedicate their entire fuel supply to accelerating the payload, which can result in greater payload capacity.

What is the current trend regarding the use of ELVs for launching satellites and spacecraft?

As of 2024, there is a trend towards using reusable launch vehicles, with fewer satellites and human spacecraft being launched on ELVs, although ELVs still present compelling use cases.

When was Arianespace founded, and what distinction does it hold in the launch service industry?

Arianespace SA was founded in March 1980, making it the world's first commercial launch service provider.

What are the two main launch vehicles operated by Arianespace?

Arianespace operates the Vega C, a small-lift rocket, and the Ariane 6, a medium-to-heavy-lift rocket.

Who are the parent companies of Arianespace's subsidiary, ArianeGroup?

ArianeGroup, the parent company of Arianespace, is a joint venture between Airbus and Safran.

What was the significance of the H-II rocket developed by NASDA for Japan's space program?

The H-II, introduced in 1994, was Japan's first domestically developed liquid-fueled launch vehicle. It aimed to achieve self-reliance in launch technology and significantly improve launch capability, featuring a staged combustion cycle engine (LE-7) for its first stage.

What key engine configuration was carried over from the H-II to its successors, the H-IIA and H-IIB?

The combination of a two-stage design with a staged combustion cycle first stage engine (LE-7) and solid rocket boosters was carried over to the H-IIA and H-IIB, forming the basis of Japan's liquid-fueled launch vehicles for 30 years (1994-2024).

What is the SS-520-5 rocket known for in terms of its size?

The SS-520-5 is recognized as the world's smallest orbital launcher.

What is the primary purpose of the Soyuz rocket family, and what is its common name?

The Soyuz rocket family, commonly known as the R-7, is used by Roscosmos and is capable of launching approximately 7.5 tons into low Earth orbit (LEO).

What is the lift capacity of the Roscosmos Proton rocket to LEO?

The Proton rocket has a lift capacity of over 20 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO).

What new rocket system is Roscosmos developing, and what enhancements are being made to the Soyuz rocket?

Roscosmos is developing the Angara rocket system and enhancing the Soyuz rocket with modifications like the Soyuz-2.1a and Soyuz-2.1b, which improve its launch capacity to LEO.

What was the goal of South Korea's Naro-1 development project?

The Naro-1 project aimed to develop South Korea's first space launch vehicle capable of placing a 100-kg class small satellite into low Earth orbit.

What is the Nuri rocket, and what is unique about its development?

Nuri is a South Korean launch vehicle developed entirely using domestic technology, including its engine, over a 12-year period.

What is the target payload capacity for the South Korean Nuri rocket?

The Nuri rocket was developed with the goal of placing a 1.5-ton practical satellite into low Earth orbit (600–800 km).

What is the KRE-075, and what challenging conditions were its engines designed to withstand?

The KRE-075 refers to the engines developed for the Nuri rocket, designed to operate under extreme conditions of high pressure, very low temperatures, and ultra-high temperatures.

What is the future plan for South Korea's launch vehicle development concerning reusability?

South Korea plans to develop the KSLV-III into a reusable launch vehicle, aiming to achieve economic feasibility and independent lunar missions.

What historical expendable launch vehicle families has NASA utilized for its missions?

NASA has utilized expendable launch vehicles from families such as Redstone, Delta, Atlas, Titan, and Saturn throughout its history.

What is NASA's newest expendable launch system (ELV), and when did it make its debut flight?

NASA's newest ELV is the Space Launch System (SLS), which successfully debuted in November 2022 and is planned for major roles in future crewed exploration programs.

What is the Atlas V rocket's origin and current operator?

The Atlas V originated from the 1994 Evolved ELV (EELV) program and is currently operated by United Launch Alliance (ULA).

What are the two EELV successors selected by the US National Security Space Launch (NSSL) competition?

The NSSL competition selected the expendable Vulcan Centaur and the partially reusable Falcon 9 as successors to the EELV program.

What is the Safir SLV, and what are its key physical characteristics?

The Safir SLV is Iran's expendable satellite launch vehicle, measuring 22 meters in height with a 1.25-meter core diameter, and consisting of two liquid propellant stages.

What payload capacity does the Iranian Simorgh rocket have for low Earth orbit?

The Simorgh rocket is capable of placing a 350-kilogram payload into a 500-kilometer low Earth orbit.

When did the first flight of Iran's Simorgh rocket occur?

The first flight of the Simorgh rocket took place on April 19, 2016.

What is the Shavit, and what is its primary function in Israel's space program?

The Shavit is Israel's space launch vehicle, capable of sending payloads into low Earth orbit, and it has been used to launch all Ofeq satellites.

What is the Shavit launcher based on, and what type of propellant does it use?

The Shavit launcher is based on the Jericho-II ballistic missile and utilizes solid propellant boosters across its three stages.

What is the primary fuel type for the Chinese Ceres-1 and Hyperbola-1 rockets?

The Ceres-1 and Hyperbola-1 rockets developed by Chinese private firms are solid-fueled launch vehicles.

What is the key feature of China's Hyperbola-3 launch vehicle regarding its first stage?

The Hyperbola-3, developed by I-Space, is a medium-lift methalox launch vehicle that features a reusable first stage designed for Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing (VTVL).

What is the significance of the Chinese Zhuque-2 rocket in the context of rocket fuels?

Zhuque-2, a medium-lift liquid fuel rocket from a Chinese private firm, is notable for being the world's first methane-fueled rocket to reach space and achieve orbit with a payload.

What is the primary purpose of the Chinese CZ-7 rocket?

The CZ-7 is a medium-lift kerolox launch vehicle specifically designed for resupplying the Tiangong space station.

What is the planned lift capability of China's future CZ-9 super heavy-lift launch vehicle?

The CZ-9, currently under development, is planned to have a low Earth orbit (LEO) lift capability of 150 tonnes.

What is the purpose of the Chinese CZ-10 rocket family being developed?

The CZ-10 is a crew-rated super-heavy launch vehicle under development for crewed lunar missions, with a variant (CZ-10A) also planned for LEO crewed missions with a reusable first stage.

What is the primary characteristic of India's launch vehicle program initiation in the 1960s-1970s?

India's launch vehicle program began in the 1960s-1970s with sounding rockets, progressing to the Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 and the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) by the 1990s.

What is the primary fuel type for Japan's H-IIA and H-IIB rockets?

The H-IIA and H-IIB rockets utilize a combination of liquid hydrogen for their first stage and solid rocket boosters.

What was the M-V rocket's distinction in the global market when JAXA took over its operations?

When JAXA took over operations, the M-V was recognized as the world's largest solid-fuel launch vehicle.

What is the H3 rocket's design goal, and what new engine technology does it incorporate?

The H3 rocket aims to increase launch capability at a lower cost than its predecessors and incorporates an expander bleed cycle for its first stage engine.

What is the primary characteristic of the Chinese CZ-6 rocket?

The CZ-6, also known as the Small Launch Vehicle, is a kerolox-fueled rocket designed for satellites up to 500 kg to SSO, noted for its short preparation time and reliability.

What is the primary purpose of the Chinese CZ-8 rocket?

The CZ-8 is a medium-lift launch vehicle primarily used for deploying payloads into Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) orbits.

What is the intended future role of the Chinese CZ-9 rocket?

The CZ-9 is intended to become a fully reusable super heavy-lift launch vehicle with a LEO lift capability of 150 tonnes.

What is the primary characteristic of the Chinese Zhuque-3 rocket in terms of its first stage?

The Zhuque-3 is a medium-to-heavy-lift methalox launch vehicle that features a reusable first stage.

What is the primary characteristic of the Israeli Shavit-2 rocket?

The Shavit-2 is the next generation of the Shavit rocket and is intended to be available for commercial launches in the near future.

What is the primary characteristic of the US Space Launch System (SLS)?

The SLS is NASA's newest expendable launch system (ELV) and is designed to play a major role in future crewed exploration programs.

How does the CZ-2F/G differ from the standard CZ-2F, and what types of missions is it used for?

The CZ-2F/G is a modification of the CZ-2F that omits the escape tower. It is specifically used for launching robotic missions, such as Shenzhou cargo and space laboratory modules, with a payload capacity of up to 11.2 tons in LEO.

What is the total liftoff thrust of the Iranian Simorgh rocket's engines?

The Simorgh rocket's engines generate a combined total of 130,000 kilograms (290,000 pounds) of thrust at liftoff.

What is the stated advantage of the Shavit launcher for micro/mini satellites?

The Shavit launcher provides low-cost and high-reliability launches for micro/mini satellites into low Earth orbit.

What is the primary characteristic of the Chinese Zhuque-2 rocket in terms of fuel?

The Zhuque-2 is a medium-lift liquid fuel rocket that utilizes methalox (methane and liquid oxygen).

Expendable Launch System Wiki: Orbital Ascendancy: The Era of Expendable Launch Systems

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Understanding Expendable Launch Systems

Definition

An expendable launch system (ELV) is a launch vehicle designed for a single mission. Upon completion of its flight, its components are either discarded during atmospheric reentry or left in space, rendering the vehicle unusable for subsequent launches. This contrasts with reusable launch systems, which are designed for multiple flights.

Core Principles

ELVs typically comprise multiple rocket stages that are jettisoned sequentially as their fuel is depleted and the vehicle ascends. This staged approach allows for efficient acceleration and trajectory adjustments. The entire fuel capacity can be dedicated to accelerating the payload, potentially enabling higher payload capacities compared to reusable counterparts of similar size.

Advantages & Trends

While the trend is shifting towards reusable systems due to long-term cost efficiencies, ELVs offer advantages in design simplicity and potentially lower initial production costs. They remain a proven and reliable technology, utilized for decades in numerous space missions. ELVs can still present compelling use cases where their specific performance characteristics or cost structure are advantageous for a given mission profile.

Global Operators & Contributions

Arianespace

The pioneering French company, Arianespace, has been a leader in commercial launch services since 1980. It operates the Vega C (small-lift) and Ariane 6 (medium-to-heavy-lift) ELVs, facilitating European space access and customer missions from the Guiana Space Centre.

Arianespace, a subsidiary of ArianeGroup, manages the marketing, mission preparation, and customer relations for Ariane 6. The European Space Agency (ESA) owns the launch infrastructure at the Guiana Space Centre, while CNES manages the site. Arianespace has conducted hundreds of missions over its history.

China

China's space program utilizes a robust family of Long March (CZ) rockets, including variants like the CZ-2, CZ-3, CZ-4, CZ-5, CZ-6, CZ-7, and CZ-8. These ELVs range from small-lift to super heavy-lift capabilities, supporting both crewed and uncrewed missions, including the development of its space station.

Notable Chinese ELVs include the Long March 5 (heavy-lift), Long March 7 (medium-lift for space station resupply), and Long March 11 (solid-fueled, quick-response). China is also developing future systems like the super heavy-lift CZ-9 and crew-rated CZ-10.

ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) developed its launch capabilities starting in the 1960s. Its current ELV fleet includes the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), alongside the smaller Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) and Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) in its history.

ISRO's journey began with sounding rockets, progressing to the SLV-3 and ASLV. The PSLV has become a workhorse for launching various satellites, while the GSLV is used for heavier, geostationary missions. India also operates the LVM 3 (formerly GSLV Mk III).

JAXA

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has utilized ELVs such as the H-IIA and its successor, the H3. Historically, Japan also developed solid-fueled rockets like the Mu family and smaller liquid-fueled vehicles.

JAXA's H-IIA was a reliable launch vehicle for decades, succeeded by the H3, designed for increased capability and reduced cost. JAXA also operated the H-IIB for cargo missions to the ISS and developed the small-lift Epsilon rocket.

Roscosmos

Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, relies on a diverse range of ELVs, most notably the Soyuz family, renowned for its reliability and long operational history. The Proton rocket is used for heavier payloads, while newer systems like Angara are being introduced.

The R-7 family, commonly known as Soyuz, is a cornerstone of Russian spaceflight. The Proton rocket offers higher lift capacity. Roscosmos is also developing the Angara family of launch vehicles to modernize its capabilities.

South Korea

South Korea has developed its indigenous launch capabilities, notably with the Nuri rocket. Previously, the country focused on the Naro-1 project, marking its initial steps into space launch technology.

The Nuri (KSLV-II) rocket, developed over a decade, is designed to place a 1.5-ton satellite into low Earth orbit. It utilizes a multi-stage configuration with domestically developed engines, representing a significant advancement in South Korea's space program.

United States

The U.S. has a long history of ELV development and utilization across NASA and military branches. Iconic families like Atlas, Delta, Titan, and Saturn have been instrumental in space exploration. Current ELVs include Atlas V and the Space Launch System (SLS).

NASA's SLS is a flagship ELV for crewed exploration. The Atlas V continues service, and its successor, Vulcan Centaur, is operational. The National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program procures launch services, selecting both ELVs and reusable vehicles.

Iran

Iran has developed expendable launch vehicles such as the Safir and Simorgh. These rockets are designed to place satellites into orbit, reflecting Iran's independent efforts in space technology.

The Safir SLV is a liquid-propellant, two-stage rocket. The more powerful Simorgh is capable of lifting heavier payloads, with its first stage powered by four main engines. Iran also has plans for the Qoqnoos vehicle for future heavier payloads.

Israel

Israel operates the Shavit launch vehicle, a solid-propellant, triple-stage rocket derived from ballistic missile technology. It has been used to launch Israel's Ofek reconnaissance satellites.

The Shavit launcher, developed by IAI's Malam factory, has demonstrated reliability in placing micro/mini satellites into low Earth orbit. The next generation, Shavit-2, is being developed for potential commercial launches.

Engineering the Ascent: Design Principles

Staged Propulsion

Expendable launch systems are fundamentally multistage vehicles. Each stage contains its own engines and propellant. As a stage exhausts its fuel, it is jettisoned to reduce the overall mass the subsequent stages need to accelerate. This sequential shedding of mass is critical for achieving orbital velocity.

Fuel Efficiency

Unlike reusable systems that must reserve fuel for landing burns and ascent back to Earth, ELVs can utilize their entire propellant load for maximizing payload delivery to orbit. This design focus on pure performance for a single mission allows for optimized engine thrust and structural efficiency.

Contrast with Reusability

The core difference lies in the single-use nature of ELVs. While reusable systems aim to reduce launch costs through refurbishment and reuse, ELVs are designed for maximum performance on their maiden voyage. This distinction influences design choices, manufacturing processes, and overall mission economics.

A Spectrum of Systems

American Legacy

The United States boasts a rich history of ELVs, from the early Atlas and Delta families to the powerful Saturn V used for the Apollo missions. Today, the Atlas V and the new Space Launch System (SLS) continue this lineage, alongside the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy which, while partially reusable, also operate in an expendable mode for certain missions.

European Reach

Europe's primary ELVs are the Ariane family, with Ariane 6 being the current workhorse, and the smaller Vega C. These systems have been crucial for launching European scientific, commercial, and governmental payloads.

Global Diversity

Other nations have developed significant ELV capabilities. Russia's Soyuz rockets are legendary for their reliability. China's Long March series covers a wide range of payload classes. India's PSLV and GSLV, Japan's H-IIA and H3, South Korea's Nuri, and Iran's Safir and Simorgh represent diverse national efforts in space launch technology.

Cost Dynamics and Future Outlook

Production Costs

The inherent simplicity of ELV design, compared to the complex systems required for reusability, can lead to lower manufacturing costs per unit. This makes them an attractive option for certain market segments or for nations developing their nascent space programs.

The Reusability Revolution

The advent of reusable launch vehicles, pioneered by companies like SpaceX, has significantly altered the economic landscape of spaceflight. By dramatically reducing the cost per launch through reuse, these systems are increasingly favored for many commercial and governmental missions, challenging the traditional ELV market.

Enduring Niches

Despite the rise of reusability, ELVs continue to hold value. Missions requiring specific performance profiles, unique orbital insertions, or where the infrastructure for reuse is not yet established may still favor expendable systems. Furthermore, the established reliability and proven track record of many ELVs provide a continued basis for their selection.

A Chronicle of Ascent

Early Eras

The history of spaceflight is deeply intertwined with expendable launch systems. From the Vostok and Mercury programs utilizing modified ballistic missiles to the Saturn V that propelled humanity to the Moon, ELVs were the foundational technology enabling early space exploration.

The Satellite Age

As the satellite era dawned, ELVs like Atlas, Delta, Ariane, and Soyuz became the workhorses for deploying communication, weather, and scientific satellites. These systems evolved significantly over decades, increasing payload capacity and reliability.

1950s-1960s: Development of early ICBM-derived ELVs (e.g., Atlas, Titan, R-7).
1960s-1970s: Introduction of dedicated launch vehicles (e.g., Delta, Saturn family, Proton).
1970s-1980s: Expansion of ELV capabilities with vehicles like Ariane and continued evolution of existing families.
1990s-2000s: Refinement of ELVs and introduction of new national programs (e.g., Long March, PSLV, H-IIA).
2010s-Present: Transition towards reusable systems, but continued operation and development of advanced ELVs (e.g., SLS, Ariane 6, H3).

Key Terminology

Launch Vehicle

A rocket or spacecraft designed to carry a payload from Earth's surface into space, typically into Earth orbit or beyond.

Stage

A self-contained section of a rocket, typically containing engines and propellant, that is jettisoned after its fuel is expended to reduce the vehicle's mass.

Payload

The cargo carried by a launch vehicle, such as a satellite, spacecraft, or scientific instrument.

Reusability

The capability of a launch vehicle or spacecraft component to be recovered and used for multiple missions, significantly reducing overall launch costs.

Reentry

The process of an object entering Earth's atmosphere from space. For ELVs, this typically results in the vehicle's destruction.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Expendable launch system Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing information from publicly available sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the provided source material, it is not a substitute for professional aerospace engineering consultation or official documentation.

This is not professional advice. The information presented here should not be considered definitive guidance for mission planning, vehicle selection, or technical implementation. Always consult official specifications and expert analysis for critical applications.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

Orbital Ascendancy

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Understanding Expendable Launch Systems ℹ️

🚀 Definition

⚙️ Core Principles

⚖️ Advantages & Trends

Global Operators & Contributions 🌍

🇪🇺 Arianespace

🇨🇳 China

🇮🇳 ISRO

🇯🇵 JAXA

🇷🇺 Roscosmos

🇰🇷 South Korea

🇺🇸 United States

🇮🇷 Iran

🇮🇱 Israel

Engineering the Ascent: Design Principles 📐

🧱 Staged Propulsion

⛽ Fuel Efficiency

🔄 Contrast with Reusability

A Spectrum of Systems 🌌

🇺🇸 American Legacy

🇪🇺 European Reach

🌏 Global Diversity

Cost Dynamics and Future Outlook 💰

📉 Production Costs

📈 The Reusability Revolution

🤔 Enduring Niches

A Chronicle of Ascent ⏳

📜 Early Eras

🛰️ The Satellite Age

Key Terminology 📚

🚀 Launch Vehicle

🪜 Stage

📦 Payload

🔄 Reusability

🔥 Reentry

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Understanding Expendable Launch Systems

Definition

Core Principles

Advantages & Trends

Global Operators & Contributions

Arianespace

China

ISRO

JAXA

Roscosmos

South Korea

United States

Iran

Israel

Engineering the Ascent: Design Principles

Staged Propulsion

Fuel Efficiency

Contrast with Reusability

A Spectrum of Systems

American Legacy

European Reach

Global Diversity

Cost Dynamics and Future Outlook

Production Costs

The Reusability Revolution

Enduring Niches

A Chronicle of Ascent

Early Eras

The Satellite Age

Key Terminology

Launch Vehicle

Stage

Payload

Reusability

Reentry

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Important Considerations

Disclaimer