Providing the propulsion requirements for launch and spacecraft, this chapter explains how to transport payloads (e.g. crewed spacecraft, satellites, space probes, space telescopes) from the surface of the Earth to orbit with multi-stage launch vehicles, including definition of injection energy for lunar missions and interplanetary flight. Since rocket propulsion is required to execute a desired orbital maneuver or initiate a flight trajectory to a planet or moon, the concepts of flight dynamics are related to the rocket engine characteristics to perform such tasks. The primary objective of this chapter is to present rocket performance metrics that engineers use to relate orbital maneuvers with propellant mass requirements. This perspective emphasizes what is important to achieve a successful space mission.