Traditional vertical launch vehicles typically take off under rocket power from a fixed launch pad. Traditional vertical launch vehicles are defined based on the payload weight the vehicle can deliver to low earth orbit. This ranges from small launch vehicles that can carry payloads of up to 3,300 pounds through large launch vehicles that can carry payloads larger than 15,000 pounds. MLI is proposing to limit the site development to only support small launch vehicles.

Horizontal reusable launch vehicles are launch systems that can take off and land horizontally on conventional runways. The horizontal reusable launch vehicles can takeoff under either jet power, such as a conventional aircraft. Horizontal reusable launch vehicles can land by means of jet power or a controlled glide. MLI is proposing to initially focus on horizontal launch systems the depart the airport under jet power.