# Adapter (rocketry)

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Interstage of the [UGM-73 Poseidon](/source/UGM-73_Poseidon) missile. First stage is on the right, separated second stage - on the left

In [rocketry](/source/Rocket), an **adapter** is a hollow [cylindrical](/source/Cylinder_(geometry))[1] or conical segment[2] which provides a sound [aerodynamic](/source/Aerodynamics) and structural connection, either between [rocket stages](/source/Multistage_rocket) (often referred to as an **interstage**) or between a [spacecraft](/source/Spacecraft) and the top rocket stage (referred to as a [payload](/source/Payload) adapter). It may shroud and protect vulnerable systems such as electrics or machinery of [rocket engines](/source/Rocket_engines)/spacecraft from weather or vibrations caused by running engines.[3] It is discarded during [staging](/source/Staging_(rocketry)).

Examples of rocket stages featuring an interstage adapter:

- [Centaur](/source/Centaur_(rocket_stage)) (second stage of several [Atlas-based](/source/SM-65_Atlas) [launch vehicles](/source/Launch_vehicles), from [Atlas-Centaur](/source/Atlas-Centaur) to [Atlas V](/source/Atlas_V)).[4][5][6]

- [S-II](/source/S-II) and [S-IVB](/source/S-IVB) (second and third stage of the [Saturn V](/source/Saturn_V)).[7][8]

- The [Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage](/source/Delta_Cryogenic_Second_Stage) (ICPS) of [SLS Block 1](/source/Space_Launch_System) is connected to the Core Stage with the Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter (LVSA).[9][10]

Examples of rocket stages featuring a [payload](/source/Payload) adapter:

- (Planned) The [Exploration Upper Stage](/source/Exploration_Upper_Stage) (EUS) of [SLS Block 1B/2](/source/Space_Launch_System) is expected to connect large secondary co-manifested payloads using the Universal Stage Adapter (USA).[11]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESmith20022_1-0)** [Smith 2002](#CITEREFSmith2002), p. 2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-LarsonPranke1999_2-0)** Wiley J. Larson; Linda K. Pranke (1999). [*Human Spaceflight: Mission Analysis and Design*](https://books.google.com/books?id=3JlTAAAAMAAJ). McGraw-Hill. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-07-236811-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-07-236811-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["NASA Continues Progress on Artemis III Rocket Adapter with Key Joint Installation - NASA"](https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/nasa-continues-progress-on-artemis-iii-rocket-adapter-with-key-joint-installation/). Retrieved 2024-03-07.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["The Launch of Atlas-Centaur 5"](https://www.drewexmachina.com/2015/03/02/the-launch-of-atlas-centaur-five/). 2 March 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Centaur - Mission Planners Guide (NASA CR-154970)"](https://www.alternatewars.com/BBOW/Boosters/Centaur/1971_Centaur_MPG.pdf) (PDF). [General Dynamics](/source/General_Dynamics) Convair Aerospace Division. 1 August 1971. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220108213615/http://www.alternatewars.com/BBOW/Boosters/Centaur/1971_Centaur_MPG.pdf) (PDF) from the original on 8 January 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Atlas Launch System Mission Planner's Guide, Atlas V Addendum (AVMPG)"](https://spacecraft.ssl.umd.edu/design_lib/Atlas5.pl.guide.pdf) (PDF). [Lockheed Martin](/source/Lockheed_Martin). 1 December 1999.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** McCutcheon, Kimble D. (3 August 2022). ["U.S. Manned Rocket Propulsion Evolution Part 8.20: The Saturn V S-II"](https://www.enginehistory.org/Rockets/RPE08.20/RPE08.20.shtml).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** McCutcheon, Kimble D. (3 August 2022). ["U.S. Manned Rocket Propulsion Evolution Part 8.30: The Saturn S-IVB Stage"](https://www.enginehistory.org/Rockets/RPE08.30/RPE08.30.shtml).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["NASA's Space Launch System Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter Ready for Thermal Insulation Application"](https://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/multimedia/nasas-space-launch-system-launch-vehicle-stage-adapter-ready-for-thermal-insulation.html). 30 August 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["NASA Completes Weld of Rocket Adapter for First Artemis Launch with Crew - NASA"](https://www.nasa.gov/missions/artemis/nasa-completes-weld-of-rocket-adapter-for-first-artemis-launch-with-crew/). 2021-03-24. Retrieved 2024-03-07.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Universal Stage Adapter (USA)"](https://www1.grc.nasa.gov/space/usa/). Retrieved 14 September 2022.

## Sources

- Smith, John (2002-07-07). [*Evolved Composite Structures for Atlas V*](https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2002-4201). Reston, Virginia: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2514/6.2002-4201](https://doi.org/10.2514%2F6.2002-4201).

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