launch system
Projectile delivery apparatus
A launch system is the complete assembly of equipment, infrastructure, and procedures used to send something into the air or space—typically rockets, missiles, or spacecraft.
The term encompasses not just the vehicle itself but the launch pad, control systems, and support facilities: SpaceX's Falcon 9 is a reusable launch system.
In military contexts, it often refers to weapons platforms: mobile missile launch systems.
- rocketPropulsion-driven spacecraft
- solid rocketPropellant-filled thrust device
- heavy liftDifficult logistical challenge
- countdownBackward enumeration to zero
- ignitionStarting combustion process
liftoff · booster · first stage · thrust · orbit · escape velocity · launchpad · propulsion · mission · trajectory · staging · NASA · mission control · SpaceX · space race · blast · shuttle · fuel