Space vehicles is an academic concept and research field concerned with the design, development, operation, and performance of engineered systems for traversal and operations within Earth's atmosphere and outer space. This field investigates the complex interplay of propulsion, structural mechanics, guidance, navigation, control, and payload integration required for suborbital, orbital, and interplanetary missions. Key characteristics include classification by function (e.g., launch vehicle, spacecraft), payload capacity, reusability, and mission profile, reflecting decades of technological progress across nations and enabling critical applications in scientific exploration, commercial services, national security, and supporting future endeavors such as resource utilization and extraterrestrial habitation.