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America’s launch vehicles are critical to strategic competition with China and Russia. Their ability to send large payloads to space, from communications satellites to mission supplies, is central to America’s commercial and national security space activities.
Launch vehicles typically deliver payloads to two main orbits — Low Earth Orbit, where many satellites operate, and Geostationary Transfer Orbit, a stepping stone for higher orbits.
While the payload capacity of these vehicles varies based on factors from reusability concerns to mission design, this graphic presents a simplified comparison of U.S. launch capabilities.
