GCAT Release 1.8.8 (2026 Sep 3) | Data Update 2026 Sep 3
LV Stages
The LV Stages list is quite simple. Each line represents a single
stage within a vehicle. Stages are usually numbered starting from 1;
0 is used for strapon boosters, and in the rare cases where two different kinds
of strapon booster are present, -1 is used as well. In some cases the nose fairing
is included, and given a stage `number' of F, or an interstage or auxiliary motor
component given a stage `number' of C (for component). You may wish to ignore these.
- The vehicle name.
- The vehicle variant
(usually blank). Sometimes a launch vehicle manufacturer
will use exactly the same designation for two versions of a vehicle with different
stages or engines. I use an arbitrary string code to distinguish the versions.
- the stage number
(which can be -1 or 0 for strapons, and F for fairing or C for components such as interstages,
or A for an air launch platform - the latter used to be considered stage 0).
- the stage name
(which maps to the Stages file)
- uncertainty flag,
a flag to indicate that it is not confirmed that this stage is the correct one.
- dummy flag,
a flag to indicate a dummy stage (e.g. the Cora vehicle always carries
a dummy Astris stage), and finally
- the stage multiplicity:
e.g. stage 0 of the ASLV consists of two AS-0 strapon stages, and so
has multiplicity 2.
- the stage impulse in kNs reserved for future use and not currently filled in.
- the stage typical apogee, approximate only
- the stage typical perigee, approximate only
- Apogee/perigee uncertainly flag ignore this as all entries in this file should really have it set
- TimeOn, TimeOff: time in seconds since liftoff for stage's ignition and cutoff.
Approximate and indicative only, since
the same rocket type may fly different ascent trajectories on different missions.
This and later columns are reserved for future use.
- AltOn, AltOff: the approximate altitude range in km for the stage's propulsive o
This will be used for stratospheric emission calculations and is indicative only, since
the same rocket type may fly different ascent trajectories on different missions.
- VelOn,VelOff: the inertial velocity at ignition and cutoff, in km/s.
Approximate and indicative only, since
the same rocket type may fly different ascent trajectories on different missions.