Launch service provider
A Launch service provider (LSP) is a type of company which specialises in launching spacecraft. It is responsible for the ordering, conversion, or construction of the carrier rocket, assembly and stacking, payload integration, and ultimately conducting the launch itself. Some of these tasks may be delegated or sub-contracted to other companies. For example, the United Launch Alliance subcontracts the production of GEM solid rocket motors for its Atlas V, Delta II and Delta IV rockets to Alliant Techsystems. An LSP does not necessarily build all the rockets it launches.
In some cases, an LSP is not required to launch a rocket. Government organizations such as the military and defense forces may conduct the launch themselves.
List of active launch service providers
- Antrix Corporation (PSLV/GSLV)
- Arianespace (Ariane 5/Soyuz-2/Vega)
- China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (Long March)
- COSMOS International (Kosmos-3M)
- Eurockot Launch Services (Rockot)
- International Launch Services (Proton-M)
- ISC Kosmotras (Dnepr)
- Land Launch (Zenit-2SLB/Zenit-3SLB)
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (H-IIA/H-IIB)
- Orbital ATK (Minotaur/Pegasus/Taurus)
- Sea Launch (Zenit-3SL)
- SpaceX (Falcon 1/Falcon 9)
- Starsem (Soyuz-FG/Soyuz-2)
- United Launch Alliance (Atlas V/Delta II/Delta IV)
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