Glossary L

A laboratory is a specialized facility that is used for research and development, testing, and analysis related to aerospace technology and systems. Aerospace laboratories are typically equipped with a wide range of equipment, tools, and resources that are used to conduct experiments, test prototypes, and analyze data.

English: Laminate / Deutsch: Laminat / Español: Laminado / Português: Laminado / Français: Stratifié / Italiano: Laminato /

In the context of the space industry, laminate refers to a composite material formed by bonding multiple layers of material together. These layers can include various materials such as polymers, metals, and ceramics, each serving specific functions within the composite structure. The primary purpose of laminates in the space industry is to create lightweight and high-strength materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of space and protect spacecraft and satellites.

In the aerospace context, a lander is a spacecraft or vehicle that is designed to land intact or almost undamaged on the surface of a celestial body, such as a planet or moon. Landers are typically used to study the surface and geology of a celestial body, as well as to search for signs of life.

Deutsch: Fahrwerkssteuerung / Español: Control del tren de aterrizaje / Português: Controle do trem de pouso / Français: Contrôle du train d'atterrissage / Italiano: Controllo del carrello di atterraggio

Landing gear control in the space industry context refers to the systems and mechanisms designed to deploy, control, and retract the landing gear of spacecraft or space vehicles that are designed to land on a planetary surface or return to Earth. This involves sophisticated engineering to ensure the safe and effective transition from flight to landing phase, accommodating the unique challenges posed by different celestial bodies, including their gravitational forces, terrain, and atmospheric conditions (if any).

In the aerospace industry, a laser is used for a variety of applications, including communication, measurement, and manufacturing.

Deutsch: Laserkommunikation / Español: Comunicación Láser / Português: Comunicação a Laser / Français: Communication Laser / Italiano: Comunicazione Laser

Laser communication in the space industry refers to the use of laser beams to transmit data between spacecraft, satellites, and ground stations. This technology offers significantly higher data transfer rates compared to traditional radio frequency (RF) communications, enabling faster and more efficient transmission of information over vast distances in space.

Laser communication, or lasercom, is a technology that uses lasers to transmit data over long distances through the air or through space. In the aerospace context, lasercom systems can be used for a variety of purposes, including transmitting data from spacecraft to Earth, transmitting data between spacecraft, and transmitting data between aircraft and ground stations.

Deutsch: Riegel / Español: Pestillo / Português: Trinco / Français: Verrou / Italian: Fermaglio

Latch refers to a mechanical device used to secure or lock components together, ensuring stability and safety in various space applications. Latches are crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of spacecraft and space systems.

Deutsch: Breite / Español: Latitud / Português: Latitude / Français: Latitude / Italiano: Latitudine

Latitude in the space industry context refers to the geographic coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is an essential parameter for satellite operations, launch site selection, and mission planning.

Deutsch: Start / Español: Lanzamiento / Português: Lançamento / Français: Lancement / Italiano: Lancio /

A launch is the first part of the flight of a rocket when it leaves the ground for orbital spaceflights, or into interplanetary space.

A launcher is a device or system used to launch or propel an object into the air or into space. Launchers can be used for a variety of purposes, including launching rockets or missiles, launching aircraft from aircraft carriers, and launching satellites into orbit.

In the space industry context, a launchpad is a complex and specially designed site equipped for launching spacecraft. This includes facilities for rockets, space shuttles, and other space-bound vehicles. A launchpad is a critical component of spaceport operations, providing the necessary infrastructure to support the final preparations and the actual launch of a vehicle into space. It is designed to withstand the extreme conditions generated during launch, such as intense heat, vibration, and the force of the vehicle's ascent.

Deutsch: Durchsickern / Español: Fuga / Português: Vazamento / Français: Fuite / Italiano: Perdita /

A Leak refers to an unintended escape of a gas or liquid from a sealed system or container. Leaks can occur in various parts of an aerospace vehicle, such as the fuel system, the hydraulic system, or the pressurization system.

A leakage occurs when fluid is lost through a leak. In the aerospace context, "leakage" refers to the escape of a fluid, such as fuel, oil, or hydraulic fluid, from a container or system. Leakage can be a serious issue in the aerospace industry, as it can lead to equipment failure, reduced performance, and even accidents.

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when current flows through it. Electrons in the semiconductor recombine with electron holes, releasing energy in the form of photons. The color of the light (corresponding to the energy of the photons) is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor.

Deutsch: Bein / Español: Pata / Português: Perna / Français: Jambe / Italiano: Gamba

Leg in the space industry context typically refers to a component of the landing gear used in spacecraft, lunar modules, rovers, and other land-based space exploration vehicles. These legs are crucial for providing stable support when the spacecraft lands on the surface of another planet or moon, helping to absorb the impact and distribute the weight of the vehicle to prevent tipping or damage.

Deutsch: Linse / Español: Lente / Português: Lente / Français: Lentille / Italiano: Lente

In the context of the space industry, lens refers to optical components used in various instruments and devices to focus, form, or manipulate light. These lenses are critical for the functionality of telescopes, cameras, and sensors aboard spacecraft, satellites, and space telescopes, enabling detailed observation and study of celestial bodies, earth observation, and navigation.

LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit. Low Earth Orbit refers to an altitude range of around 100-2000 kilometers (62-1240 miles) above the Earth's surface, within which a number of artificial satellites and other spacecraft operate.

Deutsch: Hebel / Español: Palanca / Português: Alavanca / Français: Levier / Italiano: Leva

A lever in the space industry context refers to a mechanical device used to amplify force or control the movement of objects, often employed in spacecraft design, satellite deployment, and ground-based equipment used for assembling or launching space missions.

Lidar (also LIDAR, or LiDAR) is a method for determining ranges (variable distance) by targeting an object or a surface with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver.