launch vehicle

noun

1. Aerospace. a rocket used to launch a spacecraft or satellite into orbit or a space probe into space.

launch vehicle

noun

1. a rocket, without its payload, used to launch a spacecraft
2. another name for booster

Word History and Origins

Origin of launch vehicle¹

First recorded in 1955–1960

Example Sentences

The 116 satellites onboard the launch vehicle were mostly designed and built by Western nations and businesses – but one of them was different.

From BBC

The one in the new image came from Japan's H-IIA launch vehicle, which lofted a CO2-measuring spacecraft called Gosat, in 2009.

From BBC

The development of the Angara-A-5, which is set to be the main launch vehicle for Russia’s prospective lunar research program, has also faced repeated delays and dragged on years behind schedule.

From Seattle Times

“It has the potential to launch more payload and more crew members at a lower price than any other launch vehicle that has ever existed,” says Laura Forczyk, executive director of the space-industry consulting firm Astralytical.

From Science Magazine

North Korea appears to have received technical assistance from Russia and is likely checking the launch vehicle's engine and launch mechanism, Yoo cited NIS as saying, but added that it did not provide further details due to security reasons.

From Reuters