An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. To throw or propel with force; hurl. → jet launching.
   

   2. To set (a missile, spacecraft, etc) into motion

Etymology (EN): From M.E. launchen “to throw as a lance,” O.Fr. lanchier, lancier “to hurl, throw, cast,” from L.L. lanceare “wield a lance,” from L. lancea “light spear, lance.”

Etymology (PE): From partâb “a throw, an arrow that flies far,” partâbidan “to throw,” → ballistics.