Comparison of orbital launch systems


This is the comparison of orbital launch systems page. It contains two lists of conventional orbital launch systems, separated by operational status. 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 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. Orbital launch systems are rockets and other systems capable of placing payloads into or beyond Earth orbit. All current spacecraft use conventional chemical rockets for launch, though some have used air-breathing engines on their first stage.

Current and upcoming rockets

Orbits legend:
;Launch system status legend:

Retired and canceled rockets

Launch systems by country

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.