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Launcher classificationLaunchers are essential to get a satellite into orbit, and their high cost is a major obstacle for small satellites. Smaller satellites are typically launched as secondary passengers, hitching a ride on a larger launcher with a larger payload. In recent years, as smaller satellites have become more popular and necessary, a number of small satellite launchers are being developed in particular for the mini (100-500kg) or medium sized satellite class (500-1000kg) spacecraft. It has generally been the case that for microsatellites (10-100kg) it is more economical to launch on the larger launchers, where the prime payload has procured the launch, and employing the spare capacity does not incur significant additional costs. Launch vehicles can be classified in a number of ways, but the most popular one is according to launch capacity. This is illustrated in the table below, splitting launchers into Heavy-Lift , Large, Medium and Small Launch Vehicles.
Further classification is possible into Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV), or non-reusable, and Non-Expandable launch vehicles. A new type of launcher is the Single Stage To Orbit (SSTO), which will not be operational until 2005. Examples of some of these launch vehicles are listed below.
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Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles
Ariane 5