This best-selling reference guide contains the most reliable and up-to-date material on launch programs in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Israel, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Packed with illustrations and figures, the third edition has been extensively updated and expanded, and offers a quick and easy data retrieval source for policymakers, planners, engineers, launch buyers, and students. New Features: New systems included are Angara, Beal's BA-2, Delta III and IV, H-IIA, VLS, LeoLink, Minotaur, Soyuz 2, Strela, Proton M, Atlas III and V, Dnepr, Kistler's K-1, Shtil, with details on Sea Launch using the Zenit vehicle. ; Completely updated, expanded, and standardized performance data. ; Updated flight records with added details (e.g. payload mass, delivery orbit, manifest type). ; More detailed failure descriptions ; Reorganized alphabetically by system (e.g., Angara, Ariane, Athena, Atlas, Beal, Delta, etc.) to reflect the international cooperation in vehicle development, marketing, and operation. ; SI units used throughout. ; New chapter on spaceports, with detailed maps Standard sections describe each of the launch systems in detail, including: One Page Vehicle Summaries, Cost, Availability, Performance Graphs for a Variety of Orbits, Flight History and Failure Descriptions, Vehicle Design and Technical Data, Payload Accomodations, Production and Launch Operations, Vehicle History