upper stage

American  

[uhp-er steyj] / ˈʌp ər ˈsteɪdʒ /

noun

Rocketry.

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of upper stage

First recorded 1955–60

Example Sentences

But about 90 seconds later, as Starship’s upper stage continued to climb, SpaceX lost contact with it.

From Salon

Starship’s upper stage reached the highest planned point in its flight path, but it went into a spin on the way down, blowing up over the Indian Ocean.

From Salon

A mission to Mars hinges on SpaceX being capable of refueling Starship’s upper stage in orbit, a complicated task that Musk told Diamandis could be achieved toward the end of 2026.

From MarketWatch

A mission to Mars hinges on SpaceX being capable of refueling Starship’s upper stage in orbit, a complicated task that Musk told Diamandis could be achieved toward the end of 2026.

From MarketWatch

Like with LandSpace’s attempt, the upper stage completed its job, but the first stage couldn’t be recovered, according to the company.

From MarketWatch