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launch vehicle |
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launch vehicleRocket system that boosts a spacecraft into Earth orbit or beyond Earth's gravitational pull. A wide variety of launch vehicles have been used to lift payloads ranging from satellites weighing a few pounds (or kilograms) to large modular components of space stations. Most launch vehicles are expendable (one-use) systems; many early ones were derived from intercontinental ballistic missiles (see ICBM). The Saturn V, which launched the spacecraft that carried humans to the Moon (see Apollo), had three stages (see staged rocket). The U.S. space shuttle system (from 1981) represents a significant departure from expendable launch vehicles in that it is partially reusable—its manned orbiting component is designed for numerous flights, and its solid rocket boosters can be recovered and refurbished. launch vehicle [′lȯnch ‚ve·ə·kəl] (aerospace engineering) A rocket or other vehicle used to launch a probe, satellite, or the like. Also known as booster. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| She will be responsible for analysis and testing of rocket engine performance and vehicle aerodynamics for low-cost launch vehicles. ``We believe the same stamp of approval will provide the same level of safety,'' said Kelly, who also is chairman of the Reusable Launch Vehicles Working Group of the Transportation Department's space advisory committee. L-3 Space & Navigation, located in Budd Lake, New Jersey, is a world premier provider of inertial instruments and integrated fire control systems to the global marketplace and is a major supplier of high-quality pointing, guidance, control and positioning equipment for satellites, artillery and launch vehicles serving the military, commercial and government markets. |
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