A small-lift launch vehicle is a rocket orbital launch vehicle that is capable of lifting 2,000 kilograms (4,400 lb) or less (by NASA classification) or under 5,000 kilograms (11,000 lb) (by Roscosmos classification) [1] of payload into low Earth orbit (LEO).

6 days ago · The Small Spacecraft Technology program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, expands the ability to execute unique missions through rapid development and demonstration of capabilities for small spacecraft applicable to exploration, science and the commercial space sector.

The smallest orbital rocket is SS-520-5, measuring 9.54 m (31 ft 3.5 in) tall and 0.52 m (1 ft 8 in) in diameter and weighs 2,600 kg (5,732 lb), achieved by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Japan) in Uchinoura Space Center, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, launched on 3 February 2018.

The KAIROS rocket (カイロスロケット), or Kii-based Advanced & Instant Rocket System, [1] is a Japanese solid-fuel rocket designed to launch small satellites of mass up to 250 kg to low Earth orbit and up to 150 kg to sun-synchronous orbit by the …

Electron is the only reusable orbital-class small rocket. Capturing and reflying Electron’s first stage enables higher launch frequency without expanding production and lowers launch costs.

Apr 27, 2018 · The smallest orbital rocket is SS-520-5, measuring 9.54 m (31 ft 3.5 in) tall and 0.52 m (1 ft 8 in) in diameter and weighs 2,600 kg (5,732 lb), achieved by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Japan) in Uchinoura Space Center, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, launched on 3 February 2018.

Aug 10, 2021 · small satellite rocket launchers and NewSpace funding options. Aiming to list small launchers and microlaunchers with up to 1500 kg payload to SSO orbit. Active, planned and cancelled initiatives included. First created in 2016 and launchers added one-by-one as discovered. Erik Kulu.

As a small rocket, Electron doesn't have the mass margins of larger reusable rockets, so propulsive landing is off the cards. Instead, we equip Electron's first stage with a parachute to slow its descent from space back to Earth, where it splashes down in the ocean for collection by marine vessel and transport back to our production complex for ...

Feb 1, 2020 · Astra is building small rockets designed for mass production and for reliable performance. You don’t need the equivalent of a Ferrari to carry a small payload to orbit, so we’re not building one. Rather than rely on costly 3D printing or labor intensive composites, we make the rocket as inexpensively and as streamlined as possible, using ...

Jan 22, 2025 · The small near-Earth object 2024 PT5 captured the world’s attention last year after a NASA-funded telescope discovered it lingering close to, but never orbiting, our planet for several months. The asteroid, which is about 33 feet (10 meters) wide, does not pose a hazard to Earth, but its orbit around the Sun closely matches that of our planet ...