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ad astra per aspera

American  
[ahd ah-strah per ah-spe-rah, ad as-truh per as-per-uh] / ɑd ˈɑ strɑ pɛr ˈɑ spɛˌrɑ, æd ˈæs trə pər ˈæs pər ə /
Latin.
  1. to the stars through difficulties: motto of Kansas.


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The Latin phrase ad astra per aspera translates as “to the stars through difficulties.”

From Barron's Apr. 6, 2026

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