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Astronomy & Space vocabulary · Space Missions & Launches

Countdown

Meaning in astronomy & space, with examples

/ˈkaʊntdaʊn/nounCore term

In astronomy & space, countdown means: The counting of time backwards to the moment of launch, during which teams check that the rocket, the weather and the launch range are ready.

In Turkish: geri sayım

How it is used

Times are given as 'T-minus', as in 'T-minus 10 minutes'. A countdown can be held (paused), recycled (taken back) or resumed. Launch commentators read out the final seconds.

Example sentences

  1. The countdown was held at T-minus two minutes because of a sensor reading.

  2. The weather is 90 percent favourable and the countdown is going smoothly.

Common collocations

  • final countdown
  • hold the countdown
  • resume the countdown
  • launch countdown
  • launchThe act of sending a rocket, spacecraft or satellite up from the ground into space. As a verb, to send it up in this way.
  • liftoffThe exact moment a rocket leaves the launch pad and starts to rise. The verb form is 'lift off'.
  • launch padThe platform and surrounding structures from which a rocket is launched, including the tower, fuel lines and flame trench.
  • mission controlThe team and the room on the ground that monitor a spaceflight, talk to the crew or spacecraft and make decisions during the mission.

More terms: Space Missions & Launches

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