Q: What is Automator App?

1.  I am running OS - X version 10..6.8.  I am still finding my way round the MAC world.  Please can someone tell me what Automator App is and how do i get rid of it? I can't seem to delete it or remove it from my Dock. Even though i click and drag it away from the dock, it springs back again.  what function does this app have and how can i delete it?

2.  I cannot find launchpad?  I did have it but now It has disappeared from the dock, from Applications, from System Preferences - i have looked everywhere and it has really stumped me.  is there anywhere else i should be looking?

Thank you for reading this, i hope you can help.