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Launch service provider (
LSP) is a type of company which specialises in launching spacecraft. It is responsible for the ordering, conversion, or construction of the
carrier rocket, assembly and stacking, payload integration, and ultimately conducting the launch itself. Some of these tasks may be delegated or sub-contracted to other companies. For example, the
United Launch Alliance subcontracts the production of
GEM solid rocket motors for its
Atlas V,
Delta II and
Delta IV rockets to
Alliant Techsystems. An LSP does not necessarily build all the rockets it launches.