Finally, there is a giant new rocket that can lift payloads four times heavier than those of the American space shuttles.

The space shuttle, the nation's most powerful launching vehicle, can lift payloads of only about 27 tons.

Two stages are needed because any airship made strong enough to survive the atmosphere would be too heavy to lift payloads to space.

Mr. Dula said it would be able to lift payloads of up to 770 pounds into orbit.

Ultimately, he said, the shuttle will be used only to lift heavy payloads needed to finish the station.

"What we need is to have the capability to lift various payloads for whatever goal is chosen."

They have vast experience in lifting large payloads into orbit and pioneered the space station.

The Titan 4, the nation's largest rocket, can lift payloads of up to 20 tons.

In doing so, developers are ensuring that even if one space elevator encounters problems, the others can continue lifting payloads into space.

For this reason, Angara 5 can lift heavier payloads.