Heavy-lift launch vehicle

orbital launch vehicle capable of lifting heavy payloads to low-Earth orbit

A heavy-lift launch vehicle (HLV) is an orbital launch vehicle that could lift payloads between 20,000 to 50,000 kg (44,000 to 110,000 lb)[1] into low Earth orbit (LEO).[2]

Class overview
NameHeavy-lift launch vehicle
Preceded byMedium-lift launch vehicle
Succeeded bySuper heavy-lift launch vehicle
BuiltSince 1966
General characteristics
Capacity20,000 to 50,000 kg (44,000 to 110,000 lb)

References

change
  1. Osipov, Yuri (2004–2017). Great Russian Encyclopedia. Moscow: Great Russian Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on 27 May 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  2. NASA Space Technology Roadmaps – Launch Propulsion Systems, p.11 Archived 24 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine: "Small: 0-2t payloads, Medium: 2-20t payloads, Heavy: 20-50t payloads, Super Heavy: >50t payloads"