// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Burnout
Burnout is the point in a rocket's flight when its engines run out of fuel or are intentionally shut down.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Burnout signifies the event in a rocket's flight when all propellants in a specific stage or engine are exhausted, or the engine is commanded to shut down, resulting in the cessation of thrust production and often leading to stage separation or coasting flight.
BACKGROUND
Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, doing business as SpaceX, is an American public spaceflight, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence company headquartered at the Starbase development site in Starbase, Texas. Since its founding in 2002, the company has made numerous advances in rocket propulsion, reusable launch vehicles, human spaceflight and satellite constellation technology. As of 2026, SpaceX conducts more orbital launches annually than any other launch provider, including private competitors and national programs like the Chinese space program. SpaceX, NASA, and the United States Armed Forces work closely together on governmental contracts. The initial public offering (IPO) of SpaceX in June 2026 was the largest in history, with a valuation at US$1.77 trillion.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Engine cutoff
- Propellant exhaustion
- MECO (Main Engine Cutoff)
- Stage depletion
USAGE NOTE
After burnout of the first stage, the second stage typically ignites.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Burnout.
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. The controlled burnout of its Merlin and Raptor engines is critical for achieving precise orbital insertion and enabling the recovery and reuse of its rocket boosters.
A world-recognized aerospace and defense leader that provides propulsion and energetics to the space, missile defense and strategic systems sectors. They design and manufacture liquid and solid rocket engines, like the RS-25, where the timing and characteristics of burnout are fundamental performance parameters.
A launch service provider and spacecraft manufacturer that designs the Rutherford and Archimedes engines. The burnout of the Electron rocket's first stage is a key event leading to stage separation and the continuation of the mission to orbit.
A major defense and aerospace company that produces solid rocket motors (SRMs), including the Graphite Epoxy Motors (GEM) and the massive boosters for NASA's Space Launch System (SLS). For SRMs, burnout is a precisely designed, unalterable event that dictates the end of their propulsive phase.
Develops spacecraft and launch vehicle systems, including the BE-3 and BE-4 liquid rocket engines. Controlled engine burnout is essential for the trajectory of their New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the planned New Glenn orbital rocket.
A launch service provider operating rockets like the Atlas V and Vulcan Centaur. ULA's avionics and flight control systems are responsible for commanding main engine cutoff (MECO) and booster burnout at the exact moment required for mission success.
A European aerospace company that develops and manufactures the Ariane family of launch vehicles. They produce the Vulcain liquid rocket engine and solid rocket boosters, where managing the burnout phase is critical for placing satellites into their correct orbits.