or particle detectors, for example), cargo, or a human crew. Ground segment The ground segment, though not technically part of the spacecraft, is vital to the operation of the spacecraft. Typical components of a ground segment in use during normal operations include a mission operations facility where the flight operations team conducts the operations of the spacecraft, a data processing and storage facility, ground stations to radiate signals to and receive signals from the spacecraft, and a voice and data communications network to connect all mission elements. Launch vehicle The launch vehicle propels the spacecraft from Earth's surface, through the atmosphere, and into an orbit, the exact orbit being dependent on the mission configuration. The launch vehicle may be expendable or reusable. See also Astrionics Commercial astronaut Flying saucer List of crewed spacecraft List of fictional spacecraft NewSpace Spacecraft design Space exploration Space launch Spaceships in science fiction Space suit Spaceflight records Starship Timeline of Solar System exploration U.S. Space Exploration History on U.S. Stamps References Citations Sources External links NASA: Space Science Spacecraft Missions NSSDC Master Catalog Spacecraft Query Form Early History of Spacecraft Basics of Spaceflight tutorial from JPL/Caltech International Spaceflight Museum Astronautics Pressure vessels