launching pad

• Plateforme ou structure depuis laquelle on lance une fusée, un projectile ou un vaisseau spatial. Au sens figuré, point de départ ou position offrant les ressources ou opportunités nécessaires pour démarrer avec succès une nouvelle entreprise, carrière ou projet.

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.

   aire de lancement

   • 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.

   tremplin

   • 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.