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

Etymology

Origin of astronautics

First recorded in 1925–30; astronautical, -ics

Example Sentences

The university said it built on its "65-year heritage of education and research in space science, aeronautics and astronautics".

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

"Just like phyllo dough flakes apart, composite layers can peel apart because this interlaminar region is the Achilles' heel of composites," says Brian Wardle, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2024

A professor of astronautics practice at USC, Reisman said the stacked formation offers a true vantage point of the orbiter.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2024

Crumbly foods are a big no-no in astronautics because bits adrift in microgravity can wreak untold havoc on delicate spacecraft components.

From Scientific American • Jun. 12, 2023

As far back as I can remember in my childhood, I was always interested in astronautics.

From Man Made by Teichner, Albert