launch pad

Or launchpad

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

In reality it lifted just three feet off the launch pad before it burst into flames.

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Korolev walked alongside the train tracks as the flatcar moved slowly, gently, from the hangar to the launch pad.

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A 74-run partnership with Nilakshika de Silva gave Sri Lanka a solid launch pad, before another collapse saw six wickets fall for 28 run.

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He will be welcoming the success after three Starship launches ended in failure this year, and one rocket exploded on the launch pad in June.

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Its list of targets, which includes military bases, missile launch pads and factories, is now widening to economic and oil facilities.

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Related Words

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