ˈblast-off
[f. blast v. 5 b.]
The initial thrust required to launch a rocket or the like into space; the launching of the rocket itself. Also attrib.
| 1951 M. Greenberg Travelers of Space 20 Blast-off, the initial expenditure of energy by a space ship leaving a planet, or in emergency takeoffs. 1952 A. C. Clarke Islands in Sky viii. 125 We were supposed to keep out of the pilot's way at blast-off. 1958 Observer 2 Feb. 1/3 This stage developed a blast-off thrust of 78,000 lb. |