The process of disconnecting and separating major aerospace vehicles or components that were previously joined. This applies to removing a space shuttle from its carrier aircraft, separating a payload from a launch vehicle, or unhooking structural umbilicals. It requires precise crane work and structural unbolting.
Heard on the job
The crew will demate the orbiter from the carrier aircraft tomorrow morning using the gantry crane.
Do not mix it up with
- Undock: Undocking refers to separating spacecraft in orbit under their own power, while demating is a mechanical separation usually done on the ground or by explosive bolts.
Related terms
Umbilical
A physical line providing power, fluids, or data to a vehicle or astronaut before separation.
Umbilical cord
A flexible lifeline supplying oxygen, cooling, and communications to an astronaut during a spacewalk.
Unberth
To detach a spacecraft from a station using a robotic arm rather than the craft's own thrusters.