SES

abbreviationStandard termAviation

The moment a launch vehicle ignites its sustainer engine.

SES stands for sustainer engine start. It is the critical mission event where the rocket's sustainer engine is ignited, often occurring simultaneously with or shortly after the staging of the booster rockets. Telemetry monitors this event closely, as a failure to achieve SES means the vehicle will not reach orbit.

Heard on the job

We have confirmation of booster separation and successful SES.