launch pad
noun [ C ] uk/ˈlɔːntʃ ˌpæd/ us/ˈlɑːntʃ ˌpæd/ (UK also launching pad)
（火箭）发射台，发射架
a special area from which spacecraft or missiles are sent into the sky
The rocket blew up on the launch pad. 火箭在发射台上爆炸了。
figurative Soap operas have long been a launch pad for film actors. 长期以来，肥皂剧一直都是电影演员走红的跳板。
See also: pad noun