launching pad

• Plattform oder Konstruktion, von der aus eine Rakete, ein Geschoss oder ein Raumschiff gestartet wird. Im übertragenen Sinn: Ausgangspunkt oder Position, die die nötigen Ressourcen oder Möglichkeiten für den erfolgreichen Start eines neuen Unternehmens, einer Karriere oder eines Projekts bietet.

A platform or structure from which a rocket, missile, or spacecraft is launched. Figuratively, it refers to a starting point or position that provides the necessary resources or opportunities for a new venture, career, or project to begin successfully.

1. Physical launch siteB1formal

   A platform or area from which a rocket, missile, or spacecraft is launched.

   Startrampe

   • The rocket was moved to the launching pad early in the morning.
   • Engineers inspected the launching pad before the countdown.
   • The space agency built a new launching pad for the mission.

2. Starting point for a career or projectB2informal

   A situation, position, or resource that helps someone begin a new career, project, or venture.

   Sprungbrett

   • This internship was a perfect launching pad for her career in journalism.
   • The small startup served as a launching pad for his entrepreneurial ambitions.
   • The university's research program acted as a launching pad for many scientific discoveries.