LAUNCH VEHICLE Meaning and
Definition
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A launch vehicle is a specialized spacecraft designed to transport payloads, or payloads combined with a spacecraft, into outer space. Also known as a space launcher or a rocket, it is primarily used to initiate the motion of a spacecraft and propel it into its desired orbit or trajectory. This vehicle is a complex engineering marvel that generally consists of multiple stages, each with its own propulsion system, fuel, and oxidizer.
The launch vehicle's primary objective is to overcome the Earth's gravitational pull and generate sufficient speed and energy to reach outer space. It accomplishes this by utilizing the principles of Newton's third law of motion, which states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. By expelling high-speed gases or other propellants through its engines, an equal and opposite force is produced that propels the vehicle forward.
Launch vehicles can vary significantly in size, capacity, and payload capability, ranging from small suborbital rockets used for scientific research to massive multi-stage rockets capable of launching satellites, crewed spacecraft, and interplanetary missions. They are typically equipped with guidance, navigation, and control systems to ensure precise trajectory and stability during flight.
Furthermore, launch vehicles are essential for various applications such as telecommunications, weather forecasting, scientific research, national security, and human space exploration. The development and improvement of these vehicles have played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space, enabling space-based technologies, and facilitating space missions to explore our solar system and beyond.
Common Misspellings for LAUNCH VEHICLE
Etymology of LAUNCH VEHICLE
The word "launch vehicle" is a compound term that combines the words "launch" and "vehicle".
The term "launch" originated from the Middle English word "launchen", which meant "to hurl", "to rush", or "to throw forward". This Middle English word can be traced back to the Old English word "hlencgan", which had similar meanings.
The word "vehicle" has its roots in the Latin word "vehiculum", which referred to a means of transportation or a conveyance. "Vehiculum" comes from the Latin word "vehere", meaning "to carry or transport".
Therefore, the etymology of the word "launch vehicle" essentially implies a vehicle or device used for hurling or throwing forward, specifically for space transportation or satellite deployment purposes.
