upperstage
nounUK /ˈʌpəsteɪdʒ/
US /ˈʌpərsteɪdʒ/
The top part of a rocket that carries people or things into space.
After the lower part fell away, the upperstage carried the astronauts onward.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A raised platform or level in a theater above the main stage.
The actors climbed to the upperstage for the balcony scene.
3. The higher tier of a two-level structure or system.
The upperstage of the parking garage was almost empty.
4. A later, more advanced phase of a process or project.
The team moved into the upperstage of testing before launch.