Rocket Lab Neutron
The neutron is a new medium-lift, two-stage launch vehicle which will be human-rated and designed for reusability.
Reusable Launch Vehicles
Reusable launch spacecraft are an innovation in aerospace engineering designed to reduce the costs and environmental impact of space exploration. Unlike traditional expendable launch vehicles, which are discarded after a single use, reusable spacecraft can be launched, recovered, refurbished, and relaunched multiple times. Explore the revolution in space access, with rockets designed for multiple missions, reducing costs and advancing humanity’s reach into the cosmos.
How Reusable Spacecraft Work
These spacecraft are often equipped with advanced propulsion systems, durable heat shielding, and precision landing technology. Their design emphasizes survivability and efficiency, enabling them to endure the harsh conditions of launch, space travel, and reentry. Key components like engines, fuselage, and avionics are built to withstand multiple cycles of operation with minimal maintenance. A notable feature of reusable spacecraft is their ability to perform controlled landings, whether on land, at sea, or on floating platforms.
List of Reusable Spacecraft
Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab have pioneered the development of reusable spacecraft, each incorporating unique engineering solutions to optimize reusability. For instance, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket features a first stage that can autonomously return to a designated landing site, while Blue Origin’s New Shepard uses a vertically landing booster. Learn more about these and other reusable spacecraft by clicking on the images below.
Rocket Lab Electron
The Electron is a two-stage, partially reusable orbital launch vehicle developed by Rocket Lab. Learn about its Rutherford engines.
Vulkan Rocket Launcher
Explore the ambitious Vulkan rocket launcher, a proposed Soviet space shuttle program intended to revolutionize space transportation.
Scaled Composites White Knight Two
Explore the Scaled Composites White Knight Two, a versatile carrier aircraft revolutionizing air-launch technology.
VMS Eve Carrier Mothership
Explore the VMS Eve Carrier Mothership, a key component of Virgin Galactic’s space tourism program. Learn about its design and objectives.
SpaceX Super Heavy
Discover the SpaceX Super Heavy, the powerhouse behind SpaceX’s Starship launch system, poised to revolutionize space travel efforts.
Proton Rocket Family
Explore the history and significance of the Proton rocket family, a cornerstone of space exploration with a legacy of successful launches.
Orbital Sciences X-34 (Prototype)
Discover the Orbital Sciences X-34, an innovative suborbital spaceplane designed to revolutionize access to space with reusable technology.
Blue Origin New Glenn Launcher
Discover Blue Origin’s New Glenn launcher, a powerful and versatile heavy-lift rocket designed to revolutionize access to space.
Blue Origin New Shepard Launcher
Discover Blue Origin’s New Shepard launcher, a revolutionary suborbital rocket designed for space tourism and scientific research.
SpaceX Falcon Heavy
Explore the SpaceX Falcon Heavy, a groundbreaking rocket that redefines heavy lift capabilities in the space industry.
SpaceX Falcon 9
Explore the SpaceX Falcon 9, a pioneering reusable launch vehicle that has reshaped space access. Learn about its design and missions.