Launch vehicles or carrier rockets are classified mainly based on the weight of the payload which they carry.

Small-lift launch Vehicles: A small-lift launch vehicle is an orbital launch vehicle that is capable of lifting 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) of payload into Low earth orbit (LEO). Examples of small lift launch vehicles are Sputnik & Vega.

Medium lift launch Vehicles: A Medium lift launch vehicle is an orbital launch vehicle that is capable of lifting from 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) to 20,000kg (44,100 lbs) of payload into Low earth orbit (LEO). Examples of the medium lift launch vehicles are Saturn 1 & PSLV.

Heavy lift launch Vehicles: A Heavy lift launch vehicle is an orbital launch vehicle that is capable of lifting 20,000 kg (44,400 lb) to 50,000 kg (110,000 lbs)of payload into Low earth orbit (LEO). Examples of the heavy lift launch vehicles are Arianne 5 & Delta IV Heavy.

Super-Heavy lift launch Vehicles: A Super-Heavy lift launch vehicle is an orbital launch vehicle that is capable of lifting more than 50,000 kg (110,000 lbs) of payload into Low earth orbit (LEO). Examples of the super heavy lift launch vehicles are Saturn 5 & Falcon Heavy.

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