For example, let's look at expendable boosters using liquid fuel. The core stages of most space launchers today are these so-called liquid rockets. Such a rocket is a collection of parts stacked vertically with the payload on top:

• Cylindrical fuel and oxidiser tanks
• Rocket engines including turbopumps and gas generators
• Guidance mechanisms such as gimbal joints, hydraulic actuators and APUs
• Guidance and navigation system including IMU, GPS and radio command receiver
• Safety equipment such as range safety receivers and transmitters
• Science equipment such as telemetry sensors and transmitters

Visually, the cylindrical fuel tanks make up most of a rocket. Rocket engines are complicated and not tolerant of defects. Hydraulics are much like those in airliners while electronics aren't much more complicated than ordinary computers. A Low Earth Orbit (LEO) launcher does not need the extra protection of radiation-hardened electronics.

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