Air launching is also being developed for sub-orbital spaceflight.

The rocket-sled launch was abandoned in favor of air launching, with the Douglas DB-26 being the most common carrier aircraft.

One of the earliest uses of air launching used an airship as a carrier and docking station for biplane parasite fighters.

One modified L-1011 named Stargazer is used for research and air launching Pegusus XL rockets.

Air launching is the practice of releasing a rocket, missile, parasite aircraft or other aircraft payload from a mother ship or launch aircraft.