rocket stages
Sequential propulsion sections
Rocket stages are the separate sections of a multi-stage rocket, each containing its own engines and fuel.
As each stage exhausts its propellant, it detaches and falls away, reducing weight so the remaining stages can accelerate more efficiently.
The first stage provides the initial thrust to escape Earth's atmosphere.
Most orbital rockets use two or three stages.
Something that increases strength
- interstageBetween successive stages
- fairingAerodynamic exterior panel
- strap-onSecured by straps
- nose coneTapered forward section
Forceful forward motion
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- nozzleFlow-directing pipe fitting
- turbopumpRotary propellant pressurizer
cryogenics · propellant · burn time · throttling · exhaust · fuel mixture · oxidizer
State of being apart
- jettisonDeliberately discard, especially cargo
- ascentUpward movement
- delta-vSpacecraft maneuver measurement
- trajectoryPath of moving object
Constructing from components
- integrationCombining into a whole
- structuralRelating to building framework
- load-bearingSustaining structural mass
- compositeMade of distinct parts
aluminum · titanium · stress analysis · thermal protection · qualification · ullage
Regaining what was lost
- landing legsStructural touchdown supports
- drone shipSeagoing autonomous landing vessel
- vertical landingDescent ending perpendicular
- refurbishmentRenewal of worn items
Falcon 9 · Starship · flyback · splashdown · turnaround time
booster
Something that increases strength
- interstageBetween successive stages
- fairingAerodynamic exterior panel
- strap-onSecured by straps
thrust
Forceful forward motion
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
- nozzleFlow-directing pipe fitting
turbopump · cryogenics · propellant · burn time · throttling · exhaust · fuel mixture · oxidizer
separation
State of being apart
- jettisonDeliberately discard, especially cargo
- ascentUpward movement
- delta-vSpacecraft maneuver measurement
trajectory · burnout · reentry
assembly
Constructing from components
- integrationCombining into a whole
- structuralRelating to building framework
- load-bearingSustaining structural mass
composite · aluminum · titanium · stress analysis · thermal protection · qualification · ullage
recovery
Regaining what was lost
- landing legsStructural touchdown supports
- drone shipSeagoing autonomous landing vessel
- vertical landingDescent ending perpendicular
refurbishment · Falcon 9 · Starship · flyback · splashdown · turnaround time
- rocketrythrust, nozzle, launch, propellants, nose cones
- space debrisspace junk, debris field, debris cloud, paint flakes, metal shards