// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
SECO
Stands for 'Second Engine Cut-Off,' which is the point when the second stage of a rocket stops firing its engines. This usually occurs after reaching the desired orbital velocity.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
SECO, or Second Engine Cut-Off, is the event during a multi-stage rocket launch where the main engine(s) of the second stage cease thrusting, typically after achieving the desired orbital velocity or trajectory for payload deployment.
BACKGROUND
As of May 27, 2026, the SpaceX Starship has been launched 12 times, with 7 successes and 5 failures. SpaceX has developed Starship with the intention of lowering launch costs using economies of scale. It aims to achieve this by reusing both rocket stages, increasing payload mass to orbit, increasing launch frequency, creating a mass-manufacturing pipeline and adapting it to a wide range of space missions. Starship is the latest project in SpaceX's reusable launch system development program and plan to colonize Mars, and is one of two landing systems selected by NASA for the Artemis program's crewed Lunar missions.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Stage 2 Cut-Off
- Upper Stage Engine Shutdown
USAGE NOTE
After SECO, the payload separates from the second stage.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to SECO.
Leading developer of advanced rockets and spacecraft, including the Starship system, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starlink satellite internet constellation, driving down the cost of space access and expanding the space economy.
Developing launch vehicles (New Glenn), reusable rocket engines, lunar landers, and a commercial space station (Orbital Reef concept) to enable a future where millions of people live and work in space.
Provider of small satellite launch services with their Electron rocket, and developer of the larger Neutron launch vehicle, as well as satellite manufacturing and in-space systems.
Global leader in Earth intelligence and space infrastructure, providing high-resolution satellite imagery, geospatial data, satellite manufacturing, and robotics for space exploration and operations.
Developing integrated space transportation systems, including the Dream Chaser spaceplane for cargo and future crewed missions, and commercial space stations like the Orbital Reef in partnership with Blue Origin.
Operates the world's largest fleet of Earth observation satellites, providing daily imagery and geospatial data for a wide range of commercial, civil, and defense applications, driving data-driven decisions on Earth.
Building the world's first commercial space station, Axiom Station, and offers comprehensive private astronaut missions, leveraging the International Space Station to develop a robust low-Earth orbit economy.
Developing a large constellation of broadband internet satellites in low Earth orbit to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity to unserved and underserved communities around the world.