lowerstage

Lowerstage refers to a specific part of a rocket's ascent. It is the initial stage of a multi-stage rocket that ignites and provides the primary thrust to lift off from the launchpad and ascend through the denser portions of the atmosphere. This stage typically contains the majority of the rocket's propellant and most powerful engines. Once its fuel is depleted, the lowerstage is jettisoned to reduce the overall weight of the rocket. This allows the subsequent stages, which are lighter and designed for operation in thinner atmosphere or vacuum, to accelerate the payload to its intended orbit or trajectory more efficiently. The separation of the lowerstage is a critical maneuver in the rocket's flight profile.