launch vehicle

noun

: a rocket used to launch a satellite or spacecraft

Examples of launch vehicle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The launch vehicle carried 20 satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink network, which already operates via more than 6,000 satellites that have been deployed via dozens of launches, according to astrophyiscist Jonathan McDowell. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 12 July 2024 In a short video released Thursday, possibly to celebrate the US Fourth of July holiday with the biggest rocket's red glare of them all, SpaceX provided new footage of the most recent test of its Starship launch vehicle. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 July 2024 The unmanned craft is classified as a super heavy-lift launch vehicle and is lauded as the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 6 June 2024 But from day one, the Ariane 6 launch vehicle will cost significantly more than the Falcon 9 rocket, which has similar capabilities, and offer no provision for reuse. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 26 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for launch vehicle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'launch vehicle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1960, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of launch vehicle was circa 1960

Dictionary Entries Near launch vehicle

Cite this Entry

“Launch vehicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/launch%20vehicle. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on launch vehicle

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