Space access is vitally important and dependent upon a variety of highly reliable launch vehicles.

Launch

Spaceflight Now features up-to-date global launch information, including schedule, vehicle, and payload.

FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation is in charge of licensing Commercial Spaceports.

Orbital Sciences Space Launch systems include Pegasus, Taurus, Minotaur (ORS-1 launch from MARS Pad 0B on a Minotaur I launch vehicle image below, courtesy AFSPC), and Minotaur light vehicles.

SpaceX efforts to build a revolutionary, relatively affordable launch capability enjoy success.

Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) and Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program by NASA was put in place to provide commercial launch services to the ISS.  Two companies have been awarded this contract, Orbital and SpaceX.

United Launch Alliance (ULA) is a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed to provide affordable launch.

Ariane launch vehicles are provided by the European Aeronautic Defense and Space (EADS) Company.