Rocket Launch?

Question

In a rocket launch, what is it called when the rocket drops parts of it that were only needed for takeoff, or something? What does it look like? A video would be nice.

Answer 1

Booster separation stage.

Answer 2

Here are some videos:

http://www.eclipticenterprises.com/galle...

Multii-stage rockets "jettison" stages as the fuel is consumed. This site explains that process:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staging_(ro...

This site shows a solid booster rocket jettison:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/noaa-n...