What is the difference between expendable launch vehicle and reusable launch vehicle?

A Reusable launch vehicle (RLV) (Figure 1) refers to a vehicle which can be used for several missions. Once when a RLV completes a mission, it returns to the earth and can be used again whereas the Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV) can be used only once.

What are the two categories of launch vehicles?

Overview. Launchers or Launch Vehicles are used to carry spacecraft to space. India has two operational launchers: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

Are launch vehicles reusable?

SpaceX has been developing a reusable second stage since the late 2010s which, if successful, could make possible the first fully-reusable orbital launch vehicle during the 2020s….List of reusable launch systems.

Company	SpaceX
Vehicle	Falcon Heavy
Country	US
Type	Orbital
Status	Operational

What are two advantages to expendable launch vehicles ELV’s )?

ELVs are simpler in design than reusable launch systems and therefore may have a lower production cost. Furthermore, an ELV can use its entire fuel supply to accelerate its payload, offering greater payloads. ELVs are proven technology in widespread use for many decades.

What is the most important reason why reusable launch vehicles have typically been more expensive than expendable ones?

Question: What is the most important reason why reusable launch vehicles have typically been more expensive than expendable ones? Reusable rockets require more labor to produce Recovering reusable engines after launch is expensive Reusable engines are constructed out of more costly materials.

Why is it beneficial to use satellite launch cars made of multiple stages?

The major portion of weight in satellite launch vehicles is contributed by fuel. To overcome this problem of launch vehicles carrying heavy load during its entire journey, it is provided with more than one stage. Because to this, the weight of the vehicle can be reduced step by step, after its launching.

Is the space shuttle reusable?

NASA – Shuttle Basics. The Space Shuttle is the world’s first reusable spacecraft, and the first spacecraft in history that can carry large satellites both to and from orbit. The Shuttle launches like a rocket, maneuvers in Earth orbit like a spacecraft and lands like an airplane.