Satellite launch vehicles and a method of launching satellites into orbit

摘要

A multi-stage launch vehicle for delivering a satellite into orbit, configured to follow a trajectory which comprises at least one lower stage, and an upper stage arranged to apply thrust over an arcing flight profile comprising an initially ascending, then descending arc. The descending arc preferably comprises at least a quarter of the arcing profile. The arcing profile itself preferably experiences a net descent. Further, there are preferably three lower stages with the upper stage preferably arranged to re-apply thrust after a coasting period.