A launch vehicle is a type of rocket used to transport payloads, such as satellites or spacecraft, from the Earth's surface into space. These vehicles are designed to overcome Earth's gravity and typically consist of multiple stages that detach as they ascend, shedding weight to improve efficiency. Launch vehicles can vary in size and capability, ranging from small rockets for launching small satellites to heavy-lift rockets capable of carrying larger payloads. Notable examples include the SpaceX Falcon 9, the NASA Space Launch System (SLS), and the Ariane 5 from the European Space Agency.