ScienceAugust 16, 2026
fairing
FAIR-ing
Definition
A smooth, outer structure added to a vehicle to reduce drag or protect sensitive components from air resistance and heat during flight.
Etymology
Derived from the verb 'fare' (to go or travel), the term originally referred to shaping something to move through a medium more easily. It has been used in aeronautics since the early 20th century to describe streamlined structures that reduce wind resistance.
In the news
The article describes how the spacecraft is enclosed inside a protective fairing shell to guard it against intense aerodynamic pressure and heat during its rocket launch.
NASA is about to launch its new cosmic mystery hunter — and the countdown has begun
Read the full article ↗Futura, le média qui explore le monde