Editing Expendable launch system (section)

{{Short description|Launch system that uses a single use launch vehicle}}
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An '''expendable launch system''' (or '''expendable launch vehicle/ELV''') is a [[launch vehicle]] that can be launched only once, after which its components are destroyed during [[reentry]] or impact with Earth, or discarded in space. ELVs typically consist of several [[multistage rocket|rocket stages]] that are discarded sequentially as their fuel is exhausted and the vehicle gains altitude and speed. As of 2024, fewer and fewer [[satellite]]s and [[List of crewed spacecraft|human spacecraft]] are launched on ELVs in favor of [[Reusable launch vehicle|reusable launch vehicles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Resource |first=K. D. C. |title=The Rise of Reusable Rockets: Transforming the Economics of Space Travel |url=https://www.kdcresource.com/insights-events/the-rise-of-reusable-rockets-transforming-the-economics-of-space-travel/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=KDC Resource |language=en-AU}}</ref> However, there are many instances where a ELV may still have a compelling use case over a reusable vehicle. ELVs are simpler in design than [[reusable launch system]]s 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://spacetethers.com/elv.html|title=Expendable Launch Vehicles|website=spacetethers.com|access-date=2018-12-31}}</ref>