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Astronomy & Space vocabulary · Space Missions & Launches

Launch pad

Meaning in astronomy & space, with examples

nounCommon term

In astronomy & space, launch pad means: The platform and surrounding structures from which a rocket is launched, including the tower, fuel lines and flame trench.

In Turkish: fırlatma rampası

How it is used

Launch teams usually just say 'the pad'. Rockets are rolled out to the pad and stand on the pad before launch. Also written 'launchpad'; a 'launch complex' is the wider site around it.

Example sentences

  1. The rocket was rolled out to the launch pad two days before the flight.

  2. Engineers inspected the launch pad for damage after the engine test.

Common collocations

  • roll out to the launch pad
  • on the launch pad
  • launch pad abort
  • launch complex
  • 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'.
  • countdownThe counting of time backwards to the moment of launch, during which teams check that the rocket, the weather and the launch range are ready.
  • rocketA vehicle or engine that moves forward by pushing hot gas out of the back at high speed. Rockets are used to send satellites, probes and crews into space.

More terms: Space Missions & Launches

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