This comparison of orbital launch systems lists the attributes of all individual rocket configurations designed to reach orbit. A first list contains rockets that are operational or in development as of 2022; a second list includes all retired rockets. For the simple list of all conventional launcher families, see: Comparison of orbital launchers families. For the list of predominantly solid-fueled orbital launch systems, see: Comparison of solid-fueled orbital launch systems.

Spacecraft propulsion is any method used to accelerate spacecraft and artificial satellites. Orbital launch systems are rockets and other systems capable of placing payloads into or beyond Earth orbit. All launch vehicle propulsion systems employed to date have been chemical rockets falling into one of three main categories:
 Solid-propellant rockets or solid-fuel rockets have a motor that uses solid propellants, typically a mix of powdered fuel and oxidizer held together by a polymer binder and molded into the shape of a hollow cylinder. The cylinder is ignited from the inside and burns radially outward, with the resulting expanding gases and aerosols escaping out via the nozzle.
 Liquid-propellant rockets have a motor that feeds liquid propellant(s) into a combustion chamber. Most liquid engines use a bipropellant, consisting of two liquid propellants (fuel and oxidizer) which are stored and handled separately before being mixed and burned inside the combustion chamber.
 Hybrid-propellant rockets use a combination of solid and liquid propellant, typically involving a liquid oxidizer being pumped through a hollow cylinder of solid fuel.

All current spacecraft use conventional chemical rockets (solid-fuel or liquid bipropellant) for launch, though some have used air-breathing engines on their first stage.

Current rockets 
Orbits legend:

 LEO, low Earth orbit
 SSO or SSPO, near-polar Sun-synchronous orbit
 polar, polar orbit
 MEO, medium Earth orbit
 GTO, geostationary transfer orbit
 GEO, geostationary orbit (direct injection)
 HEO, high Earth orbit
 HCO, heliocentric orbit
 TLI, trans-lunar injection
 TMI, trans-Mars injection
Table code key:

Upcoming rockets 
Upcoming North American launch vehicles

Upcoming Chinese launch vehicles

Upcoming European launch vehicles (without Russian launch vehicles)

Upcoming Russian launch vehicles

Upcoming Indian launch vehicles

Upcoming East and South Asian launch vehicles

Upcoming South American launch vehicles

Upcoming Oceanic launch vehicles

Upcoming Iranian launch vehicles

Retired rockets

Launch systems by country 
The following chart shows the number of launch systems developed in each country, and broken down by operational status. Rocket variants are not distinguished; i.e., the Atlas V series is only counted once for all its configurations 401–431, 501–551, 552, and N22.

See also 

 Comparison of orbital launchers families
 Comparison of orbital rocket engines
 Comparison of crewed space vehicles
 Comparison of space station cargo vehicles
 List of space launch system designs
 Reusable launch system
 List of orbital launch systems
 Lists of rockets
 List of sounding rockets
 List of upper stages
 Non-rocket spacelaunch

Notes

References 

Space lists
Technological comparisons