A carrier can refer to a number of different things, depending on the context. Some possible meanings of the term "carrier" in the aerospace industry include:
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An aircraft carrier is a large naval ship designed to carry, launch, and recover aircraft, usually fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters These ships are typically used by military forces to support air operations at sea.
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A satellite carrier is a spacecraft designed to transport satellites from the Earth's surface into orbit. These carriers are typically launched into space by rockets and may be equipped with specialized hardware and equipment for deploying satellites once they reach orbit.
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A space carrier is a spacecraft designed to transport people or cargo between the Earth and other celestial bodies, such as the Moon or other planets. These carriers may be equipped with living quarters, scientific instruments, and other specialized equipment to support their missions.
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A carrier rocket is a type of rocket used to launch satellites and other spacecraft into orbit. These rockets are typically designed to be reusable and may have multiple stages to allow them to reach the required altitude and velocity for a particular mission.
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A carrier wave is a type of radio wave used to transmit information, such as voice or data, over long distances. The term "carrier" refers to the fact that the information is "carried" by the wave as it is transmitted.