astronautics

American  

[as-truh-naw-tiks, -not-iks] / ˌæs trəˈnɔ tɪks, -ˈnɒt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science of or technology involved in travel beyond the earth's atmosphere, including interplanetary and interstellar flight.

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astronautics British  

/ ˌæstrəˈnɔːtɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the science and technology of space flight

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Other Word Forms

• astronautic
  adjective
• astronautically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of astronautics

First recorded in 1925–30; see origin at astronautical, -ics

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

astronautics

"There's a lot riding on this," the astronautics expert, who is now at Stanford University, told AFP.

From Barron's ● May 21, 2026

"We will be drawing on our expertise in electronics, fundamental science, astronautics, artificial intelligence and many others, to enrich the UK space industry and support the national space strategy."

From BBC ● Mar. 10, 2026

Israel Kachuck, a onetime astronautics engineer and general contractor, bought more than 450 acres of mostly barren land in the 1960s and began planting avocado trees.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 30, 2025

“Twenty years ago, you would not have characterized the space business as fast moving,” said Daniel Hastings, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT.

From Seattle Times ● May 10, 2024

The Society is also completing plans for the formation of an International Interplanetary Commission which shall coordinate the work of the national societies and plan to solve the problems of astronautics on a world-wide basis.

From Astounding Stories, July, 1931 by Various

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