1. Starship – 330,000 Lbs Payload
SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, has been at the forefront of space exploration. In 2018, their Falcon Heavy made waves with its ability to send humans back to the Moon. However, their eyes were set on a much grander vision – colonizing Mars. Enter Starship, an ambitious project larger than any rocket in history, even surpassing the iconic Saturn-V.
Starship stands an astonishing 400 feet tall and weighs an incredible 10 million pounds. It boasts a payload capacity of 330,000 pounds and has the potential to transport up to 100 passengers. What’s more impressive is its estimated launch cost of $250 million, significantly lower than other rockets in its class.
2. Saturn V – 310,000 Lbs Payload
No list of powerful rockets is complete without the legendary Saturn V. Designed in 1969, it remains unmatched in its accomplishments. Standing at an awe-inspiring 363 feet tall and weighing nearly 6.5 million pounds, the Saturn V was a marvel of engineering. It successfully sent humans to the Moon and has maintained its payload record of 310,000 pounds for almost half a century.
3. Long March 9 – 310,000 Lbs Payload
China has been making strides in the space race, and the Long March 9 is a testament to their growing capabilities. Still in development, this Chinese super-heavy launch vehicle features a single-core booster with massive 120-ton engines. Expected to stand 364 feet tall and weigh over nine million pounds, it aims to have a payload capacity of 310,000 pounds and is slated for test launches as early as 2028.
4. SLS (Space Launch System) – 300,000 Lbs Payload
NASA’s answer to deep space exploration came in the form of the Space Launch System (SLS). Standing 365 feet tall, the SLS has a payload capacity of nearly 210,000 pounds to lower Earth orbit and an upper capacity of 300,000 pounds. Developed to support the Artemis Program’s mission of building a lunar base and sending astronauts beyond the Moon, the SLS is a powerful rocket, albeit with concerns about its hefty cost per launch and expendable nature.
5. Yenisei – 290,000 Lbs Payload
Russia’s resurgence in spaceflight led to the development of Yenisei, their first super-heavy launch vehicle since the Soviet era. With a payload capacity of 100 tons and weighing around 6.8 million pounds, Yenisei is set to have its test launch by 2028.
6. Energia – 220,000 Lbs Payload
Designed as the Soviet response to the US Space Shuttle, Energia was capable of launching massive payloads. Standing 192 feet tall, the Energia utilized a medium core stage and four Zenit boosters, demonstrating the USSR’s determination to dominate the space race. Unfortunately, the project was retired due to funding issues following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
7. Soviet N1 – 210,000 Lbs Payload
During the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union embarked on a quest to land a man on the Moon, resulting in the N1 rocket. Standing 345 feet tall, the N1 was massive, but its instability led to four failed launch attempts, and the project was ultimately canceled in 1976.
8. Falcon Heavy – 141,000 Lbs Payload
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, using modified Falcon 9 components, has been a game-changer in spaceflight. With a height of about 230 feet and a weight of 3.1 million pounds, the Falcon Heavy can carry payloads of up to 141,000 pounds. It has shown remarkable success and has been considered for deep space missions.
9. Delta IV Heavy – 63,000 Lbs Payload
United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy, standing 236 feet tall and weighing 1.6 million pounds, is the second most powerful rocket still in operation. While not as massive as some of its counterparts, it remains critical for launching essential payloads like the Orion spy satellites.
10. Space Shuttle – 60,600 Lbs Payload
The iconic Space Shuttle was a remarkable engineering feat, designed to transport personnel and materials to lower Earth orbit and the International Space Station. Standing 184 feet tall and weighing nearly 4.5 million pounds, the Space Shuttle could carry up to 60,600 pounds to low Earth orbit. Tragically, the program was retired in 2011 after two devastating accidents.
These powerful rockets stand as a testament to human innovation and our relentless pursuit of exploring the universe. As technology continues to advance, we can only imagine what even more powerful rockets will grace the skies in the future, pushing the boundaries of space exploration even further.
