launch pad

or launchpad

noun

1. the platform on which a missile or launch vehicle undergoes final prelaunch checkout and countdown and from which it is launched from the surface of the earth.
2. something that serves to launch or initiate:

   He used his legal experience as a launch pad for his career in politics.

launch pad

noun

1. a platform from which a spacecraft, rocket, etc, is launched
2. an effective starting point for a career, enterprise, or campaign

Word History and Origins

Origin of launch pad¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

SpaceX pulled off its boldest test flight yet of the enormous Starship rocket on Sunday, catching the returning booster back at the launch pad with mechanical arms.

From Los Angeles Times

Elon Musk’s Starship rocket has completed a world first after part of it was captured on its return to the launch pad.

From BBC

This will be the first time we hope to see the booster return to the launch pad.

From BBC

This is a prelude to later attempts to land back at the launch pad on future tests.

From BBC

He noted that the PKK has long had a presence in northern Iraq, “but we are not allowing any armed group to be on Iraqi territory and using it as a launch pad for attacks.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• launching pad