afterbody

== English == === Alternative forms === after body === Etymology === From after- +‎ body. === Noun === afterbody (plural afterbodies) The afterpart of a vehicle. (nautical) The part of a vessel abaft midships. (astronomy) A companion body that trails a satellite or spacecraft. (astronautics) A section or piece of a launch vehicle, rocket, or spacecraft that enters the atmosphere unprotected behind the nose cone or other body that is protected for entry. === See also === forebody middle body