Systems and methods for launching space vehicles into outer space are disclosed. Method include powering a thrust augmentation stage of a launch vehicle during an initial portion of a launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; following the initial portion of the launch trajectory, separating a first stage of the launch vehicle from the thrust augmentation stage; powering the first stage of the launch vehicle during the initial portion and during a second portion of the launch trajectory following the initial portion of the launch trajectory to provide thrust to the launch vehicle; and controlling a controlled descent of the thrust augmentation stage to Earth following separation of the thrust augmentation stage from the first stage.