Matching rockets to mission needs
Rocket selection depends on payload mass, destination, cost, schedule, and required launch profile. NASA evaluates available vehicles—government, commercial, or new developments—based on reliability, performance, and integration requirements.
Factors considered:
- Payload weight and fairing size.
- Orbital destination (LEO, GEO, lunar transfer, interplanetary).
- Volume, vibration, and environmental constraints for the payload.
- Cost, launch cadence needs, and risk posture.
Decision process
- Engineering analyses determine performance margins and compatibility.
- Program managers weigh trade-offs between cost, schedule, and mission success probability.
- For large or unique missions, NASA may develop custom launch systems (e.g., SLS) or use multiple launches.
Overall, selecting the right rocket ensures the payload reaches its intended orbit safely and efficiently while meeting mission constraints.