launch systems
Spacecraft delivery mechanisms
Launch systems are the equipment, infrastructure, and procedures used to propel vehicles—especially rockets and spacecraft—from a surface into flight or orbit.
The term encompasses launch pads, propulsion mechanisms, and control systems: NASA is developing next-generation launch systems for deep space missions.
In military contexts, launch systems deliver missiles or other projectiles: mobile launch systems, submarine launch systems.
- trebuchetsCounterweight-powered projectile launchers
- catapultsDevices for launching projectiles
- spaceportsLaunch facilities for spacecraft
- blast offBegin rocket-powered flight
- ground controlEarth-based flight management
space shuttle · ballistic missiles · cruise missiles · torpedo tubes · missile silos · conveyor belts · slingshots · firing range · heavy lift · vertical takeoff · escape velocity · aircraft carriers · stealth technology
- aerospaceairplane, helicopter, rocket, rockets, spacecraft
- rocketryrocket, rockets, rocket fuel, rocket engine, rocket engines
- Carrier Aviationflight deck, tailhook, catapult, carrier deck, deck crew
- spacecraftspacecraft, starships, spaceship, Voyager 1, rocket ships
- shipbuildingshipyards, shipyard, dockyards, dockyard, hull
- naval weaponstorpedo, naval guns, cannon, naval mines, gun turret
launch systemspayload
Carried freight or charge
cargo · spacecraft · satellite · warhead · satellites
launch, system, launches, launched, launching, launcher, launchers, systems, systematic