launch pad
Rocket departure point
A launch pad is the platform or site from which rockets and spacecraft are launched, including the supporting structures and equipment.
The term extends figuratively to anything that serves as a starting point for advancement: The internship was a launch pad for her career.
Also spelled as one word: launchpad.
Raised flat structure
- gantryOverhead spanning framework
- towerTall slender edifice
- scaffoldTemporary elevated work structure
- frameworkUnderlying support system
mount · stand · base · pedestal · support · ramp · deck · facility
Propulsion-driven spacecraft
- spacecraftVehicle for outer space
- shuttleShort-distance transport
- capsuleEnclosed dose container
- satelliteOrbiting celestial body
payload · booster · astronaut · crew · orbit · trajectory · destination · lunar
Starting combustion process
- thrustForceful forward motion
- blastoffRocket launch moment
- takeoffDeparture or parody
- ascentUpward movement
flame · plume · smoke · roar · rumble · acceleration · climb · skyward
Ordered succession of elements
- timerDuration-tracking mechanism
- checklistItemized verification guide
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- holdMaintain in grasp
scrub · abort · readiness · fueling · mission control · communication · monitoring · protocol
Flexible platform for jumping
- starting pointPlace of commencement
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- stepping stoneIntermediate stage toward goal
- gatewayPoint of access
catalyst · incubator · accelerator · origin · genesis · beginning · breakthrough · opportunity
platform
Raised flat structure
framework · mount · stand · base · pedestal · support · ramp · deck · facility · complex
rocket
Propulsion-driven spacecraft
- spacecraftVehicle for outer space
- shuttleShort-distance transport
- capsuleEnclosed dose container
satellite · payload · booster · astronaut · crew · orbit · trajectory · destination · lunar · Mars
ignition
Starting combustion process
ascent · flame · plume · smoke · roar · rumble · acceleration · climb · skyward · separation
sequence
Ordered succession of elements
- timerDuration-tracking mechanism
- checklistItemized verification guide
- ignitionStarting combustion process
hold · scrub · abort · readiness · fueling · mission control · communication · monitoring · protocol · clearance
springboard
Flexible platform for jumping
- starting pointPlace of commencement
- foundationUnderlying support structure
- stepping stoneIntermediate stage toward goal
gateway · catalyst · incubator · accelerator · origin · genesis · beginning · breakthrough · opportunity · venture
- starting pointsstarting line, starting block, starting gate, starting grid, spawn point
- staging areasassembly area, marshalling yard, muster point, rally point, depot
- aerospaceairplane, helicopter, rocket, rockets, spacecraft
- NASAApollo, Artemis, astronauts, Cape Canaveral, Hubble
- space explorationrockets, Saturn V, satellites, mission, Falcon Heavy
- space techrockets, satellites, space station, rover, SpaceX
launch padlanding site
Designated arrival location
landing zone · runway · landing strip · airfield · airstrip
launch paddead end
Passage without outlet
endpoint · terminus · retirement · conclusion · finish line
launch padlanding zone
Designated arrival surface
landing pad · landing site · recovery zone · destination · terminal