Glossary L

A laboratory is a specialized facility that is used for research and development, testing, and analysis related to aerospace technology and systems. Aerospace laboratories are typically equipped with a wide range of equipment, tools, and resources that are used to conduct experiments, test prototypes, and analyze data.

English: Laminate / Deutsch: Laminat / Español: Laminado / Português: Laminado / Français: Stratifié / Italiano: Laminato /

In the context of the space industry, laminate refers to a composite material formed by bonding multiple layers of material together. These layers can include various materials such as polymers, metals, and ceramics, each serving specific functions within the composite structure. The primary purpose of laminates in the space industry is to create lightweight and high-strength materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space and protect spacecraft and satellites.

In the aerospace context, a lander is a spacecraft or vehicle that is designed to land intact or almost undamaged on the surface of a celestial body, such as a planet or moon. Landers are typically used to study the surface and geology of a celestial body, as well as to search for signs of life.

Deutsch: Fahrwerkssteuerung / Español: Control del tren de aterrizaje / Português: Controle do trem de pouso / Français: Contrôle du train d'atterrissage / Italiano: Controllo del carrello di atterraggio

Landing gear control in the space industry context refers to the systems and mechanisms designed to deploy, control, and retract the landing gear of spacecraft or space vehicles that are designed to land on a planetary surface or return to Earth. This involves sophisticated engineering to ensure the safe and effective transition from flight to landing phase, accommodating the unique challenges posed by different celestial bodies, including their gravitational forces, terrain, and atmospheric conditions (if any).

In the aerospace industry, a laser is used for a variety of applications, including communication, measurement, and manufacturing.

Deutsch: Laserkommunikation / Español: Comunicación Láser / Português: Comunicação a Laser / Français: Communication Laser / Italiano: Comunicazione Laser

Laser communication in the space industry refers to the use of laser beams to transmit data between spacecraft, satellites, and ground stations. This technology offers significantly higher data transfer rates compared to traditional radio frequency (RF) communications, enabling faster and more efficient transmission of information over vast distances in space.

Laser communication, or lasercom, is a technology that uses lasers to transmit data over long distances through the air or through space. In the aerospace context, lasercom systems can be used for a variety of purposes, including transmitting data from spacecraft to Earth, transmitting data between spacecraft, and transmitting data between aircraft and ground stations.

Deutsch: Riegel / Español: Pestillo / Português: Trinco / Français: Verrou / Italian: Fermaglio

Latch refers to a mechanical device used to secure or lock components together, ensuring stability and safety in various space applications. Latches are crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of spacecraft and space systems.

Deutsch: Latenz / Español: Latencia / Português: Latência / Français: Latence / Italiano: Latenza

Latency in the space industry refers to the delay or time lag between the transmission of a signal or data from a spacecraft, satellite, or ground station and the receipt of that signal at its destination. Latency is an important factor in space communications, as the vast distances between Earth and spacecraft in orbit or deep space can cause significant delays in signal transmission. The greater the distance, the longer the latency. In space missions, understanding and managing latency is crucial for effective communication, control, and data transfer.

Deutsch: Breite / Español: Latitud / Português: Latitude / Français: Latitude / Italiano: Latitudine

Latitude in the space industry context refers to the geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is an essential parameter for satellite operations, launch site selection, and mission planning.

Deutsch: Start / Español: Lanzamiento / Português: Lançamento / Français: Lancement / Italiano: Lancio /

A launch is the first part of the flight of a rocket when it leaves the ground for orbital spaceflights, or into interplanetary space.

Deutsch: Trägerrakete / Español: Vehículo de lanzamiento / Português: Veículo lançador / Français: Lanceur / Italiano: Veicolo di lancio

Launch Vehicle in the space industry refers to a rocket or spacecraft specifically designed to propel payloads—such as satellites, space probes, or crewed spacecraft—from Earth's surface into space. These vehicles are essential for transporting cargo to orbit or beyond, overcoming Earth’s gravitational pull to reach desired altitudes or trajectories.

Deutsch: Trägerraketen-Engineering / Español: Ingeniería de Vehículos Lanzadores / Português: Engenharia de Veículos Lançadores / Français: Ingénierie des Véhicules de Lancement / Italiano: Ingegneria dei Veicoli di Lancio

Launch Vehicle Engineering refers to the design, development, and optimization of rockets or vehicles that are used to transport payloads, such as satellites, cargo, or crew, from Earth’s surface into space. A launch vehicle is crucial for space exploration, satellite deployment, and commercial space ventures, and its engineering involves a complex integration of propulsion, aerodynamics, structural integrity, and safety systems to ensure mission success.

A launcher is a device or system used to launch or propel an object into the air or into space. Launchers can be used for a variety of purposes, including launching rockets or missiles, launching aircraft from aircraft carriers, and launching satellites into orbit.

Deutsch: LauncherOne / Español: LauncherOne / Português: LauncherOne / Français: LauncherOne / Italiano: LauncherOne

LauncherOne in the space industry refers to a small satellite launch vehicle developed and operated by Virgin Orbit, a subsidiary of Virgin Group. LauncherOne is an air-launched rocket, meaning it is carried by a modified aircraft, known as Cosmic Girl, to a high altitude before being released to ignite and launch payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO). The system is designed to deliver small satellites into space, offering a flexible and cost-effective option for commercial, government, and research clients.

In the space industry context, a launchpad is a complex and specially designed site equipped for launching spacecraft. This includes facilities for rockets, space shuttles, and other space-bound vehicles. A launchpad is a critical component of spaceport operations, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the final preparations and the actual launch of a vehicle into space. It is designed to withstand the extreme conditions generated during launch, such as intense heat, vibration, and the force of the vehicle's ascent.

Deutsch: Weltraumrecht / Español: Derecho espacial / Português: Direito espacial / Français: Droit spatial / Italiano: Diritto spaziale

Law in the space industry context refers to the body of legal regulations and international treaties that govern activities in outer space. Space law encompasses agreements, rules, and principles developed to ensure that space activities are conducted responsibly, sustainably, and equitably by all participating nations and private entities.

Deutsch: Durchsickern / Español: Fuga / Português: Vazamento / Français: Fuite / Italiano: Perdita /

A Leak refers to an unintended escape of a gas or liquid from a sealed system or container. Leaks can occur in various parts of an aerospace vehicle, such as the fuel system, the hydraulic system, or the pressurization system.

A leakage occurs when fluid is lost through a leak. In the aerospace context, "leakage" refers to the escape of a fluid, such as fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluid, from a container or system. Leakage can be a serious issue in the aerospace industry, as it can lead to equipment failure, reduced performance, and even accidents.

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (corresponding to the energy of the photons) is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor.