Umbilical Cord
In space and astronautical engineering, the umbilical cord refers to a bundle of cables and hoses that connect a spacecraft or launch vehicle to its launch pad or ground support equipment. The umbilical cord provides power, communications, and fluid transfer between the spacecraft and the launch pad. During launch, the umbilical cord is disconnected from the spacecraft to allow for liftoff. The umbilical cord is also used during pre-launch testing to provide the spacecraft with necessary resources. The design and operation of the umbilical cord is critical to the success of a launch, as any failure or malfunction can result in a launch delay or even mission failure.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Water Ice: Water ice refers to the solid form of water that exists naturally in space, particularly in the colder regions of the solar system such as the Kuiper Belt, Oort Cloud, and on the surface of some asteroids and comets. Water ice is a valuable ... Read More >>
- Rocket Components: Rocket Components refer to the various parts that make up a rocket, including the engines, fuel tanks, guidance systems, and payload. The engines are responsible for providing the thrust needed to lift the rocket off the ground and propel i ... Read More >>
- Weather Information: Weather information refers to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data related to atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, and air pressure. In the context of space and astron ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06