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upper stage

American

[uhp-er steyj] / ˈʌp ər ˈsteɪdʒ /

noun

Rocketry.

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.

Etymology

Origin of upper stage

First recorded 1955–60

Example Sentences

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upper stage

The upper stage deployed 20 Starlink V3 satellites, a test SpaceX said "will provide critical data as we prepare to expand our Starlink constellation" of the company's satellite internet service.

From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 2026

The concept combines the reusable winged booster from DLR's long running SpaceLiner program with an expendable upper stage.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

Around six minutes after separating from the rocket's upper stage, its booster returned to Earth vertically and was recovered on a floating platform.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

Still, there were some engine issues with the booster and upper stage.

From Barron's ● May 26, 2026

The upper stage of the Saturn V moon rocket was converted into living quarters for three astronauts.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023