A heavy bundle of cables and hoses that connects a rocket to its launch tower, or an astronaut to a spacecraft. On a launch pad, umbilicals supply electrical power, environmental control, and cryogenic propellants to the vehicle, then rapidly disconnect and swing away at liftoff. For spacewalks, they provide breathable air, cooling water, and comms.
Heard on the job
The liquid oxygen umbilical failed to retract cleanly, causing a hold at T-minus four minutes.
Also heard as
- umbilical cord
- umbilicus
Related terms
Umbilical cord
A flexible lifeline supplying oxygen, cooling, and communications to an astronaut during a spacewalk.
Liftoff
The exact moment a rocket or aircraft breaks physical contact with the ground.
T-minus
A countdown protocol indicating the time remaining before a scheduled launch or major sequence.