noun
launch vehicle; carrier rocket
Technical term for a rocket used to carry payloads into space. Used in aerospace contexts.
新しい打ち上げ機が人工衛星を軌道に乗せた。
The new launch vehicle placed the satellite into orbit.
ロケット is a general term for rocket, while 打ち上げ機 specifically refers to a rocket used as a launch vehicle.
Compound of 打ち上げ (launching) + 機 (machine).