
That part of a spacecraft which usually carries a maneuvering engine, thrusters, electrical supply, oxygen and other consumables external to the descent module. Discarded prior to reentry.
Found on
http://www.braeunig.us/space/glossary.htm

(from the article `space exploration`) ...of rendezvous in Earth orbit. The Apollo spacecraft would have three sections. A Command Module would house the three-person crew on liftoff and ... ...and retroreflectors on the lunar surface. Not only the landing expeditions but also the Apollo orbital observations yielded important new ... ...
Found on
http://www.britannica.com/eb/a-z/s/68
No exact match found.