A launcher is a device or system used to launch or propel an object into the air or into space. Launchers can be used for a variety of purposes, including launching rockets or missiles, launching aircraft from aircraft carriers, and launching satellites into orbit.
Rocket launchers are used to launch rockets and missiles into the air or into space. These launchers typically use powerful engines to generate the necessary thrust to lift the payload off the ground and into the desired trajectory. Rocket launchers come in a variety of sizes and designs, ranging from small, hand-held launchers to massive, complex systems used to launch heavy payloads into orbit.
Aircraft launchers are used to launch aircraft from aircraft carriers and other platforms. These launchers use steam or other forms of energy to propel the aircraft off the deck and into the air.
Satellite launchers are used to launch satellites into orbit around the Earth or other celestial bodies. These launchers use powerful rockets to lift the satellite out of the Earth's atmosphere and into the desired orbit.
Launchers are an essential component of many space exploration and military missions, as they provide the means to send payloads into the air or into space.
Some examples of launchers include:
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The Saturn V rocket: This was a rocket used by NASA to launch the Apollo spacecraft and astronauts to the moon during the Apollo program. The Saturn V was the largest and most powerful rocket ever built and was used for a total of 13 launches between 1967 and 1973.
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The Space Shuttle: This was a reusable spacecraft developed by NASA that was used to launch and repair satellites, conduct scientific experiments, and transport astronauts and cargo to and from the International Space Station. The Space Shuttle was launched using solid rocket boosters and a main engine.
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The Ariane 5: This is a rocket developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) to launch heavy payloads, such as satellites and spacecraft, into orbit. The Ariane 5 has been in operation since 1996 and has completed over 100 successful launches.
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The Falcon 9: This is a rocket developed by SpaceX, a private spaceflight company. The Falcon 9 has been used to launch a variety of payloads, including commercial satellites and NASA's Dragon spacecraft, which transports cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station.
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The Atlas V: This is a rocket developed by United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The Atlas V has been used to launch a variety of payloads, including military satellites and NASA science missions.
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NASA's Space Launch System (SLS): This is a heavy-lift rocket designed to send astronauts and payloads to the Moon, Mars, and other destinations beyond low Earth orbit.
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SpaceX Falcon 9: This is a medium-lift rocket used to launch payloads, including satellites and the Dragon spacecraft, into orbit.
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United Launch Alliance Atlas V: This is a medium-lift rocket used to launch a variety of payloads, including satellites and NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
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Arianespace Ariane 5: This is a heavy-lift rocket used to launch commercial and military payloads, including telecommunications satellites and Earth observation satellites.
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Blue Origin New Shepard: This is a suborbital rocket designed to take paying customers on brief spaceflights.
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SLBM (Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile): These are missiles launched from submarines that are used for military purposes.
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ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile): These are long-range missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear warheads and are used for military purposes.