New launchers seek commercial market share

There is an array of launch vehicle programs being developed in response to a wide range of planned and operational satellite systems. Whether or not all the new launchers become operationally successful remains to be seen. Much will depend on the direction of the cyclical and evolving commercial satellite market. Many boosters now in development promise improved performance to meet increasing payload size and weight requirements, as well as operational flexibility and lower acquisition costs to succeed in a complex and competitive industry. This report includes a sampling of launch vehicle development activity worldwide, ranging from all-new heavy-lift boosters to smaller entrepreneurial efforts aimed at cost break-throughs in niche markets.