Adapter (rocketry)
In rocketry, an adapter is a hollow cylindrical or conical segment which provides a sound aerodynamic and structural connection, either between rocket stages or between a spacecraft and the top rocket stage. It may shroud and protect vulnerable systems such as electrics or machinery of rocket engines/spacecraft from weather or vibrations caused by running engines. It is discarded during staging.
Examples of rocket stages featuring an interstage adapter:
- Centaur.
- S-II and S-IVB.
- The Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage of SLS Block 1 is connected to the Core Stage with the Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter.
- The Exploration Upper Stage of SLS Block 1B/2 is expected to connect large secondary co-manifested payloads using the Universal Stage Adapter.