cosmodrome

A rocket stands on the launchpad at the cosmodrome.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A site for launching spacecraft: "cosmodrome" refers to a spaceport or facility designed for the launching of spacecraft, particularly associated with the former Soviet Union and modern Russia.
   • A space launch complex: It specifically denotes a large area equipped with launch pads, control centers, and support infrastructure for sending rockets and satellites into space.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan is the world's oldest and largest space launch facility. (A specific spaceport used for launching spacecraft.)
  • The rocket was moved to the cosmodrome for its final pre-launch preparations. (The facility where the rocket is prepared and launched.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be at the cosmodrome": to be present at a space launch facility.

  • Engineers and astronauts gathered at the cosmodrome for the historic launch. (They assembled at the spaceport for the event.)

• "cosmodrome operations": the activities and procedures involved in launching spacecraft from a cosmodrome.

  • Cosmodrome operations include fueling, payload integration, and countdown management. (The specific tasks at a space launch facility.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cosmonaut (n): a Russian or Soviet astronaut.

  • The cosmonaut trained for months before boarding the spacecraft at the cosmodrome. (A space traveler from Russia.)

• Spaceport (n): a general term for a site for launching and receiving spacecraft, synonymous with cosmodrome but used globally.

  • The new spaceport in the United States rivals the capabilities of the old cosmodrome. (A facility for space launches.)

Synonyms

• Spaceport: a facility for launching and landing spacecraft.
• Launch site: a specific location where rockets are launched.
• Launch complex: an integrated facility for preparing and launching spacecraft.

Phrasal Verbs

• Launch from: to send off from a specific place.

  • The satellite was launched from the cosmodrome in September. (Sent into space from the cosmodrome.)

• Prepare at: to make ready at a facility.

  • The rocket was prepared at the cosmodrome for its mission. (Readied at the spaceport.)

Related Idioms

• Reach for the stars: to aim for ambitious goals, often associated with space exploration.

  • The engineers at the cosmodrome were reaching for the stars with their latest rocket design. (Pursuing high ambitions in space technology.)

• Blast off: to launch into space, often used with cosmodrome contexts.

  • The spacecraft will blast off from the cosmodrome tomorrow morning. (Launch from the facility.)