Rocket Launch Cost Estimator
Comprehensive database of 30+ launch vehicles. Compare cost-per-kg for LEO, GTO, TLI, and Deep Space missions using current commercial manifests.
About
Budgeting for orbital delivery requires navigating a complex market of ride-share aggregators, dedicated small-lift vehicles, and heavy-lift workhorses. This tool aggregates data from commercial manifests (SpaceX, ULA, Arianespace, Rocket Lab) and historical indices to provide a comparative analysis of launch economics. Unlike basic calculators, this engine adjusts for orbital energy requirements - calculating the "Mass Penalty" incurred when targeting high-energy orbits like Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) or Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI).
The database includes active vehicles, upcoming prototypes (Starship, Neutron), and legacy systems for historical comparison. It is designed for satellite operators, systems engineers, and analysts requiring a quick feasibility check on launch vehicle selection based on mass constraints and budget caps.
Formulas
Orbital mechanics dictate that as the target orbit altitude or inclination increases, the payload capacity drops exponentially based on the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation. We estimate the GTO capacity (mGTO) from LEO figures using a standard efficiency factor (η) for specific propellants (Kerolox vs Hydrolox):
Reference Data
| Class | Vehicle | LEO Cost/kg ($) | GTO Cost/kg ($) | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy | Falcon 9 (Reusable) | 2,900 | 7,500 | 99.5% |
| Super Heavy | Starship (Target) | 200-500 | 1,000 | Dev |
| Small | Electron | 25,000 | N/A | 92.0% |
| Medium | Soyuz-2 | 5,500 | 9,200 | 96.0% |
| Heavy | Vulcan Centaur | 4,000 | 7,800 | New |
| Small | Minotaur IV | 30,000 | N/A | 100% |