A fairing is a structure used on vehicles, particularly in aerospace and automotive applications, to reduce drag and improve aerodynamic efficiency. It is designed to smooth out the airflow around the vehicle, allowing it to move more efficiently through the air. Fairings are commonly found on aircraft, rockets, and bicycles.
In the context of space exploration, a fairing protects payloads, such as satellites, during launch. It shields them from aerodynamic forces and environmental conditions until the vehicle reaches space. Once in the upper atmosphere, the fairing is jettisoned, allowing the payload to continue its journey unimpeded.