Expendable launch system
LAUNCH SYSTEM THAT USES AN EXPENDABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE
Expendable launch vehicle; Expendable rocket; Expendable launch systems; Expendable launch vehicles; Launch Services Purchase Act of 1990; Expandable launch system
An expendable launch system (or expendable launch vehicle/ELV) is a launch vehicle that can be launched only once, after which its components are either destroyed during reentry or discarded in space. ELVs typically consist of several rocket stages that are discarded sequentially as their fuel is exhausted and the vehicle gains altitude and speed.