launch pad

noun

the platform on which a missile or launch vehicle undergoes final prelaunch checkout and countdown and from which it is launched from the surface of the earth.

something that serves to launch or initiate:

He used his legal experience as a launch pad for his career in politics.

Also, launchpad.

Also called launching pad, pad.

Origin

1955-60

Examples from the web for launch pad

So those two soldiers are on duty at a ballistic rocket launch pad.
Currently, a live feed of the launch pad shows the rocket primed to go, but announces a launch delay of unknown duration.
It can detect the firing of a long-range missile, anywhere in the world, before that missile has left the launch pad.

British Dictionary definitions for launch pad

launch pad

noun

a platform from which a spacecraft, rocket, etc, is launched

an effective starting point for a career, enterprise, or campaign