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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.


astronautics British  
/ ˌæstrəˈnɔːtɪks /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of astronautics

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A research team from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics has now developed a new solution: a floating droplet electricity generator that uses natural water as part of its structure.

From Science Daily • Nov. 15, 2025

In 1989 the International Academy of Astronautics established a postdetection protocol that largely emphasizes secrecy.

From Scientific American • Aug. 3, 2023

Maslov has received numerous awards for his work on aviation and turbulence studies and is a member of the international committee of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, headquartered in Fairfax County, Virginia.

From Reuters • May 18, 2023

He had also paid a visit to the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

From New York Times • Mar. 7, 2023

People began asking Representative George Miller, chairman of the House Committee on Science and Astronautics, about women astronauts.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson

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