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

SpaceX later confirmed the upper stage had undergone "rapid unscheduled disassembly".

From BBC

The rocket's upper stage dramatically broke up and disintegrated over the Caribbean after launching from Texas on Thursday, forcing airline flights to alter course to avoid falling debris.

From BBC

Officials at Elon Musk's company said the upper stage was lost after problems developed after lift-off from Texas on Thursday.

From BBC

The Starship upper stage separated from its Super Heavy booster nearly four minutes into flight as planned.

From BBC

"The most plausible object it could be is the upper stage separation ring from an Ariane rocket in 2008," its launch director, Matt Archer, said.

From BBC