The first three phases would have required about $60 million in 1980s dollars, not including launch costs.

Another serious problem is that launch costs are too high.

The company will meet launch costs of some £2.5 million.

The launch cost of the package was R499.

The mission cost is projected to be less than $425,000,000, not including the launch cost.

These lightweight vehicles are designed to lower launch costs, and could eventually replace the space shuttle, which has been in use since 1981.

Space industry will provide a growing market for launch services, dropping launch costs.

Falling launch costs, in turn, will stimulate the growth of space industry.

Using a tether or space tug would further reduce launch costs.

Reducing these costs appears to be the best way to lower the overall launch costs.