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. See booster
   another name for booster

Word History and Origins

Origin of launch vehicle¹

First recorded in 1955–1960

Example Sentences

Seven, eight years ago, I founded the company, but it was not to be a launch vehicle for movies for me.

From Ozy

While Rocket Lab has been developing and testing a booster stage recovery process to help it re-use part of its launch vehicles on subsequent flights, this particular mission did not include a recovery attempt.

From TechCrunch

It’s called New Glenn—a heavy launch vehicle that’s supposed to be more powerful than even a SpaceX Falcon Heavy.

From MIT Technology Review

The Artemis missions, however, will use a variety of new launch vehicles and spacecraft.

From TechCrunch

This autonomous aircraft and launch vehicle measures 24 meters long and has a wingspan of 18 meters.

From Ars Technica