Crossword Genius

Branch specialised in launching carpeting line (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rocketry

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'branch specialised in launching' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'carpeting line' is the wordplay.
'carpeting' becomes 'rocket' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'line' becomes 'ry' (abbreviation for railway).
'rocket'+'ry'='ROCKETRY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rocketry that I've seen before include "Branch specialised in launching" , "Study of space vehicles" , "Complex science" , "Science concerned with missiles" , "Clever science" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Independent.
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