Satellite Launch Vehicle

American orbital launch vehicle. Orbital version. Selected by NASA under the COTS program in January 2008 in place of the cancelled Kistler for post-shuttle ISS resupply missions. Uses half-length shuttle SRB as first stage; proven Castor-120 as second stage; new Castor-30 as third stage; and Orbital Adjustment Module from Lockheed's cancelled Athena launcher as a fourth stage.

LEO Payload: 6,000 kg (13,200 lb) to a 350 km orbit at 51.60 degrees. Payload: 2,800 kg (6,100 lb) to a GTO.