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Astronomy & Space vocabulary · Space Missions & Launches

Liftoff

Meaning in astronomy & space, with examples

/ˈlɪftɔːf/nounCore term

In astronomy & space, liftoff means: The exact moment a rocket leaves the launch pad and starts to rise. The verb form is 'lift off'.

In Turkish: kalkış, havalanma

How it is used

Heard in every launch broadcast: '...and liftoff!'. Reports say a rocket 'lifted off at 14:32' and 'cleared the tower'. Also spelled 'lift-off', especially in British English.

Example sentences

  1. Liftoff came exactly on time, at the opening of the launch window.

  2. About eight minutes after liftoff, the second stage shut down its engine.

Common collocations

  • minutes after liftoff
  • liftoff time
  • clean liftoff
  • and liftoff!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • launch padThe platform and surrounding structures from which a rocket is launched, including the tower, fuel lines and flame trench.
  • thrustThe pushing force a rocket or jet engine produces by throwing gas out at high speed. It is measured in newtons or kilonewtons.

More terms: Space Missions & Launches

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