upper stage

[ uhp-er steyj ]

noun

, Rocketry.

1. in a two-stage or multistage rocket, a secondary stage that is activated after the primary or lowest stage has fallen away, and that propels the spacecraft or other payload into orbit or on its intended interplanetary trajectory.

Word History and Origins

Origin of upper stage¹

First recorded 1955–60

Example Sentences

The core stage is supplemented with a second, or upper, stage that will place the payloads in their precise orbits high above the Earth.

From BBC

This launch, the rocket’s third full test flight, wasn’t perfect and ended with Starship’s upper stage breaking apart during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere.

From Science Magazine

As the upper stage accelerated into space, the booster turned away and splashed into the waters below.

From Science Magazine

During hypersonic re-entry, the upper stage withstood howling plasma and hellish temperatures for several minutes before breaking apart at an altitude of 65 kilometers, instead of making a high-speed belly flop into the southern Indian Ocean as planned.

From Science Magazine

Less than 3 minutes into flight, Starship’s upper stage fired up its six engines to separate from the still-attached and working 33-engine booster, the second such “hot staging” that SpaceX has attempted.

From Science Magazine