In rocketry, an adapter is a hollow cylindrical [1] or conical segment [2] which provides a sound aerodynamic and structural connection, either between rocket stages (referred to as an interstage adapter) or between a spacecraft and the top rocket stage (referred to as a payload adapter). It may shroud and protect vulnerable systems such as electrics or machinery of rocket engines/spacecraft from weather or noise caused by running engines. [3] It is discarded during staging.
Examples of rocket stages featuring an interstage adapter:
Examples of rocket stages featuring a payload adapter:
In rocketry, an adapter is a hollow cylindrical [1] or conical segment [2] which provides a sound aerodynamic and structural connection, either between rocket stages (referred to as an interstage adapter) or between a spacecraft and the top rocket stage (referred to as a payload adapter). It may shroud and protect vulnerable systems such as electrics or machinery of rocket engines/spacecraft from weather or noise caused by running engines. [3] It is discarded during staging.
Examples of rocket stages featuring an interstage adapter:
Examples of rocket stages featuring a payload adapter: