🏗️ Space Glossary

Launch & Ascent

Key concepts in getting to orbit — launch windows, staging, orbital insertion, and the variables that determine what a rocket can carry and where. 18 terms, each explained in plain language with key data and links to live trackers.

BB Boostback Burn The burn that turns a booster around mid-flight Just after separationReverses course → RTLS DI Direct Insertion Placing a satellite directly into its target orbit Launch & Ascent DL Dog-Leg Mid-ascent trajectory turn to reach a different inclination Yaw turn during ascent DL Droneship Landing Catching a booster on a barge in the open ocean Launch & Ascent HS Hot Staging Lighting the next stage before dropping the last one Ignite, then separate LA Launch Azimuth Compass heading of a rocket's ascent trajectory 35–120° range170–240° (polar/SSO) LC Launch Cost The price per kilogram to deliver payload to orbit ~$54,000/kg~$2,700/kg LW Launch Window Time period when a rocket can reach the target orbit 1–4 hoursEvery 26 months MAXQ Max-Q Peak aerodynamic stress during ascent ~60-80 s after liftoff~11-14 km MECO MECO Shutdown of first-stage engines before separation 2.5 min / 80 km8.5 min into flight OI Orbital Insertion The burn that places a spacecraft into orbit 7.8 km/s PC Payload Capacity Maximum mass a rocket can deliver to a given orbit 22,800 kg~17,500 kg PF Payload Fairing Protective nose cone that shields payload during launch ~110 km5.2 m RR Reusable Rocket A launch vehicle designed to be recovered and re-flown Falcon 9, Dec 2015Falcon 9, Mar 2017 RM Rideshare Mission Many small satellites sharing one rocket to cut launch costs 143 satellitesSSO ~500–600 km S Staging Discarding empty rocket sections during ascent 2.5 min after launch3 stages SF Static Fire Lighting the rocket without letting it leave Seconds at the pad SF Suborbital Flight Reaching space without reaching orbit Space without orbit~1 km/s

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All terms 🌐 Orbit Types 📐 Orbital Elements 📡 Tracking & Space Surveillance 🚀 Manoeuvres & Propulsion 🛡️ Debris & Space Safety 🛰️ Spacecraft Systems ☀️ Space Environment ⚖️ Policy & Regulation 📍 Navigation & Timing 🔭 Earth Observation 📡 Amateur Radio & Satellites 🔭 Deep Space & Astrophysics 👨‍🚀 Human Spaceflight 🌐 Satellite Internet & Mega-Constellations 🪐 Planetary Science & Exploration