Overview of World Space Launches

Abstract

An overview of world space launches from 1957 through 1998 is presented. Space launches with small, medium, and large launch vehicles are included, launch system success rates are compared, and space launch failures that occurred in all of the space-faring nations of the world are identie ed. Particular attention is paid to the review and analysisofworld spacelaunch vehicle failures in 1983 ‐1998. Recommendations are madefor reliability enhancement of launch systems and propulsion subsystems. The purpose of the study is to provide lessons learned from the past in order to mitigate launch failures in the future.