Currently, the most common technology for space transport is rocket propulsion, which expels matter to provide a net forward thrust. There are different ranges and types of rockets for different environments and goals however, including:

• expendable launch system
• single stage to orbit
• orbital maneuvering system
• interplanetary travel
• interstellar travel

There are also several non-standard propulsion systems in the works which do not directly rely on rocket propulsion, including solar sails, plasma-bubble magnetic systems, and using gravitational slingshot effects. A more advanced concept is the space elevator.

For more types, see spacecraft propulsion.

External link

• Russian Space Agency (RAKA) http://www.rosaviakosmos.ru/english/eindex.htm