From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment

Diriba Gonfa Tolasa

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment

Diriba Gonfa Tolasa^*

Published in American Journal of Aerospace Engineering (Volume 10, Issue 1)

Received: 26 March 2025 Accepted: 10 April 2025 Published: 29 April 2025

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

The advancement of launch vehicles has been pivotal in shaping the landscape of space exploration and satellite deployment. This abstract examines the historical evolution of launchers, from early ballistic rockets to contemporary reusable systems, and their profound impact on the deployment and operational capabilities of satellites. The development of launch technology has paralleled the increasing complexity and functionality of satellites, enabling a diverse array of applications ranging from telecommunications and Earth observation to scientific research and interplanetary exploration. Initially, the field of rocketry was characterized by rudimentary designs and limited payload capacities, primarily driven by military objectives during the mid-20th century. The transition to space exploration catalyzed the development of more sophisticated launch systems, exemplified by the introduction of the Saturn V rocket, which facilitated human exploration of the Moon. This era marked a significant leap in engineering capabilities, setting the stage for subsequent advancements in launch technology. The advent of the Space Shuttle program in the 1980s introduced a paradigm shift in satellite deployment, allowing for the transportation of multiple payloads and the servicing of existing satellites in orbit. However, the high operational costs and complexity of the Shuttle system prompted the search for more economical and efficient launch solutions. This led to the emergence of commercial launch providers, such as Space X and Blue Origin, which have revolutionized the industry with the development of reusable rocket technology. The Falcon 9, for instance, has demonstrated the feasibility of reusing first-stage boosters, significantly reducing launch costs and increasing the frequency of satellite deployments. Moreover, the evolution of launchers has been closely linked to advancements in satellite technology. Modern satellites are equipped with sophisticated instrumentation and capabilities, necessitating launch vehicles that can accommodate larger payloads and deliver them to precise orbits. The integration of small satellite technology has further diversified the launch market, leading to the proliferation of dedicated small satellite launchers and rideshare missions.

Published in	American Journal of Aerospace Engineering (Volume 10, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12
Page(s)	11-23
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Launch Vehicles, Satellite Deployment, Reusable Rockets, Small Satellites, Space Exploration, Commercial Spaceflight, Space Sustainability

References

[1]	Anderson, P. (2022). Environmental Impacts of Rocket Launches: A Review of Current Research. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 56(5), 345-360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jest.2022.01.012
[2]	Bezos, J. (2022). Blue Origin: Pioneering the Future of Space Travel. Journal of Aerospace Innovation, 11(3), 56-70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jai.2022.03.005
[3]	Brown, T. R. (2023). Saturn V: The Rocket That Took Us to the Moon. International Journal of Space Science, 29(1), 78-92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijss.2023.01.007
[4]	Carter, S. (2023). Rideshare Missions: Democratizing Access to Space. Journal of Small Satellite Technology, 7(1), 12-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsst.2023.01.003
[5]	Goddard, R. H. (2021). The Early Days of Rocketry: A Historical Perspective. Journal of Aerospace History, 12(3), 45-67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jah.2021.03.001
[6]	Green, T. (2023). Planet Labs: Revolutionizing Earth Observation with Small Satellites. Journal of Environmental Monitoring, 9(3), 101-115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jem.2023.02.004
[7]	International Space Agency. (2022). Space Debris Mitigation: Strategies for Sustainable Space Operations. Space Sustainability Report, 3(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssr.2022.01.001
[8]	Johnson, M. (2023). The Impact of Small Satellites on the Future of Space Exploration. Space Exploration Journal, 5(1), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sej.2023.01.002
[9]	Lee, A. (2022). The Role of Small Satellites in Earth Observation: A Comprehensive Review. Remote Sensing Journal, 14(4), 234-250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsj.2022.04.006
[10]	Musk, E. (2023). Revolutionizing Space Travel: The SpaceX Journey. Journal of Commercial Spaceflight, 10(1), 34-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcs.2023.01.008
[11]	Patel, R. (2023). Miniaturization in Satellite Technology: Trends and Future Directions. Journal of Satellite Communications, 8(2), 78-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsc.2023.02.005
[12]	Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. M. (2022). The Space Race: A Comparative Analysis of U. S. and Soviet Launch Technologies. Space Policy Review, 18(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spr.2022.01.004
[13]	Smith, L. (2023). Space Traffic Management: Addressing the Challenges of Orbital Congestion. Journal of Space Policy, 12(2), 67-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2023.01.009
[14]	Thompson, R. (2023). Advancements in Rocket Propulsion: A Review of Recent Innovations. Journal of Propulsion and Power, 39(2), 112-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jppr.2023.01.006
[15]	Williams, K. (2022). The Legacy of the Space Shuttle: Lessons Learned for Future Spaceflight. Aerospace Engineering Journal, 15(4), 201-215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aej.2022.01.010

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Tolasa, D. G. (2025). From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment. American Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 10(1), 11-23 . https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Tolasa, D. G. From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment. Am. J. Aerosp. Eng. 2025, 10(1), 11-23 . doi: 10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Tolasa DG. From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment. Am J Aerosp Eng. 2025;10(1):11-23 . doi: 10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12,
  author = {Diriba Gonfa Tolasa},
  title = {From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment
},
  journal = {American Journal of Aerospace Engineering},
  volume = {10},
  number = {1},
  pages = {11-23 },
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajae.20231001.12},
  abstract = {The advancement of launch vehicles has been pivotal in shaping the landscape of space exploration and satellite deployment. This abstract examines the historical evolution of launchers, from early ballistic rockets to contemporary reusable systems, and their profound impact on the deployment and operational capabilities of satellites. The development of launch technology has paralleled the increasing complexity and functionality of satellites, enabling a diverse array of applications ranging from telecommunications and Earth observation to scientific research and interplanetary exploration. Initially, the field of rocketry was characterized by rudimentary designs and limited payload capacities, primarily driven by military objectives during the mid-20th century. The transition to space exploration catalyzed the development of more sophisticated launch systems, exemplified by the introduction of the Saturn V rocket, which facilitated human exploration of the Moon. This era marked a significant leap in engineering capabilities, setting the stage for subsequent advancements in launch technology. The advent of the Space Shuttle program in the 1980s introduced a paradigm shift in satellite deployment, allowing for the transportation of multiple payloads and the servicing of existing satellites in orbit. However, the high operational costs and complexity of the Shuttle system prompted the search for more economical and efficient launch solutions. This led to the emergence of commercial launch providers, such as Space X and Blue Origin, which have revolutionized the industry with the development of reusable rocket technology. The Falcon 9, for instance, has demonstrated the feasibility of reusing first-stage boosters, significantly reducing launch costs and increasing the frequency of satellite deployments. Moreover, the evolution of launchers has been closely linked to advancements in satellite technology. Modern satellites are equipped with sophisticated instrumentation and capabilities, necessitating launch vehicles that can accommodate larger payloads and deliver them to precise orbits. The integration of small satellite technology has further diversified the launch market, leading to the proliferation of dedicated small satellite launchers and rideshare missions.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment

AU  - Diriba Gonfa Tolasa
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12
T2  - American Journal of Aerospace Engineering
JF  - American Journal of Aerospace Engineering
JO  - American Journal of Aerospace Engineering
SP  - 11
EP  - 23 
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-4821
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12
AB  - The advancement of launch vehicles has been pivotal in shaping the landscape of space exploration and satellite deployment. This abstract examines the historical evolution of launchers, from early ballistic rockets to contemporary reusable systems, and their profound impact on the deployment and operational capabilities of satellites. The development of launch technology has paralleled the increasing complexity and functionality of satellites, enabling a diverse array of applications ranging from telecommunications and Earth observation to scientific research and interplanetary exploration. Initially, the field of rocketry was characterized by rudimentary designs and limited payload capacities, primarily driven by military objectives during the mid-20th century. The transition to space exploration catalyzed the development of more sophisticated launch systems, exemplified by the introduction of the Saturn V rocket, which facilitated human exploration of the Moon. This era marked a significant leap in engineering capabilities, setting the stage for subsequent advancements in launch technology. The advent of the Space Shuttle program in the 1980s introduced a paradigm shift in satellite deployment, allowing for the transportation of multiple payloads and the servicing of existing satellites in orbit. However, the high operational costs and complexity of the Shuttle system prompted the search for more economical and efficient launch solutions. This led to the emergence of commercial launch providers, such as Space X and Blue Origin, which have revolutionized the industry with the development of reusable rocket technology. The Falcon 9, for instance, has demonstrated the feasibility of reusing first-stage boosters, significantly reducing launch costs and increasing the frequency of satellite deployments. Moreover, the evolution of launchers has been closely linked to advancements in satellite technology. Modern satellites are equipped with sophisticated instrumentation and capabilities, necessitating launch vehicles that can accommodate larger payloads and deliver them to precise orbits. The integration of small satellite technology has further diversified the launch market, leading to the proliferation of dedicated small satellite launchers and rideshare missions.

VL  - 10
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Diriba Gonfa Tolasa

Department of Physics, Assosa University, Assosa, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-4452-3944

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Tolasa, D. G. (2025). From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment. American Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 10(1), 11-23 . https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Tolasa, D. G. From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment. Am. J. Aerosp. Eng. 2025, 10(1), 11-23 . doi: 10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Tolasa DG. From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment. Am J Aerosp Eng. 2025;10(1):11-23 . doi: 10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12,
  author = {Diriba Gonfa Tolasa},
  title = {From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment
},
  journal = {American Journal of Aerospace Engineering},
  volume = {10},
  number = {1},
  pages = {11-23 },
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajae.20231001.12},
  abstract = {The advancement of launch vehicles has been pivotal in shaping the landscape of space exploration and satellite deployment. This abstract examines the historical evolution of launchers, from early ballistic rockets to contemporary reusable systems, and their profound impact on the deployment and operational capabilities of satellites. The development of launch technology has paralleled the increasing complexity and functionality of satellites, enabling a diverse array of applications ranging from telecommunications and Earth observation to scientific research and interplanetary exploration. Initially, the field of rocketry was characterized by rudimentary designs and limited payload capacities, primarily driven by military objectives during the mid-20th century. The transition to space exploration catalyzed the development of more sophisticated launch systems, exemplified by the introduction of the Saturn V rocket, which facilitated human exploration of the Moon. This era marked a significant leap in engineering capabilities, setting the stage for subsequent advancements in launch technology. The advent of the Space Shuttle program in the 1980s introduced a paradigm shift in satellite deployment, allowing for the transportation of multiple payloads and the servicing of existing satellites in orbit. However, the high operational costs and complexity of the Shuttle system prompted the search for more economical and efficient launch solutions. This led to the emergence of commercial launch providers, such as Space X and Blue Origin, which have revolutionized the industry with the development of reusable rocket technology. The Falcon 9, for instance, has demonstrated the feasibility of reusing first-stage boosters, significantly reducing launch costs and increasing the frequency of satellite deployments. Moreover, the evolution of launchers has been closely linked to advancements in satellite technology. Modern satellites are equipped with sophisticated instrumentation and capabilities, necessitating launch vehicles that can accommodate larger payloads and deliver them to precise orbits. The integration of small satellite technology has further diversified the launch market, leading to the proliferation of dedicated small satellite launchers and rideshare missions.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - From Earth to Orbit: The Evolution of Launchers and Their Impact on Satellite Deployment

AU  - Diriba Gonfa Tolasa
Y1  - 2025/04/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12
T2  - American Journal of Aerospace Engineering
JF  - American Journal of Aerospace Engineering
JO  - American Journal of Aerospace Engineering
SP  - 11
EP  - 23 
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2376-4821
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajae.20231001.12
AB  - The advancement of launch vehicles has been pivotal in shaping the landscape of space exploration and satellite deployment. This abstract examines the historical evolution of launchers, from early ballistic rockets to contemporary reusable systems, and their profound impact on the deployment and operational capabilities of satellites. The development of launch technology has paralleled the increasing complexity and functionality of satellites, enabling a diverse array of applications ranging from telecommunications and Earth observation to scientific research and interplanetary exploration. Initially, the field of rocketry was characterized by rudimentary designs and limited payload capacities, primarily driven by military objectives during the mid-20th century. The transition to space exploration catalyzed the development of more sophisticated launch systems, exemplified by the introduction of the Saturn V rocket, which facilitated human exploration of the Moon. This era marked a significant leap in engineering capabilities, setting the stage for subsequent advancements in launch technology. The advent of the Space Shuttle program in the 1980s introduced a paradigm shift in satellite deployment, allowing for the transportation of multiple payloads and the servicing of existing satellites in orbit. However, the high operational costs and complexity of the Shuttle system prompted the search for more economical and efficient launch solutions. This led to the emergence of commercial launch providers, such as Space X and Blue Origin, which have revolutionized the industry with the development of reusable rocket technology. The Falcon 9, for instance, has demonstrated the feasibility of reusing first-stage boosters, significantly reducing launch costs and increasing the frequency of satellite deployments. Moreover, the evolution of launchers has been closely linked to advancements in satellite technology. Modern satellites are equipped with sophisticated instrumentation and capabilities, necessitating launch vehicles that can accommodate larger payloads and deliver them to precise orbits. The integration of small satellite technology has further diversified the launch market, leading to the proliferation of dedicated small satellite launchers and rideshare missions.

VL  - 10
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download