A heavy-lift launch vehicle is an orbital launch vehicle capable of generating a large amount of lift to reach its intended orbit. Heavy-lift launch vehicles generally are capable of lifting payloads between (by NASA classification) or between (by Russian classification) into low Earth orbit (LEO). , operational heavy-lift launch vehicles include the Long March 5, the Proton-M and the Delta IV Heavy.
In addition, the Angara A5, the Falcon 9 Full Thrust, and the Falcon Heavy are designed to provide heavy-lift capabilities in at least some configurations but have not yet been proven to carry a 20-tonne payload into LEO. Several other heavy-lift rockets are in development. An HLV is between medium-lift launch vehicles and super heavy-lift launch vehicles.
Rated launch vehicles
See also
Comparison of orbital launch systems
List of orbital launch systems
Comparison of orbital rocket engines
Comparison of space station cargo vehicles
Medium-lift launch vehicle, capable of lifting between 2,000 and 20,000 kg (4,400 to 44,100 lb) of payload into Low Earth orbit Rocket Small-lift launch vehicle, capable of lifting up to 2,000 kg to low Earth orbit Sounding rocket, suborbital launch vehicle Spacecraft propulsion Super heavy-lift launch vehicle, capable of lifting more than 50,000 kg (110,000 lb) of payload into Low Earth orbit
References
Further reading
Mallove, Eugene F. and Matloff, Gregory L. The Starflight Handbook: A Pioneer's Guide to Interstellar Travel, Wiley. .