flyby

American  

[flahy-bahy] / ˈflaɪˌbaɪ /

Or fly-by

noun

plural

flybys

1. the flight of a spacecraft close enough to a celestial object, as a planet, to gather scientific data.

2. Aeronautics.

   1. Also called flypast.  a low-altitude flight of an aircraft for the benefit of ground observers.

   2. flyover.

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flyby British  

/ ˈflaɪˌbaɪ /

noun

1. a flight past a particular position or target, esp the close approach of a spacecraft to a planet or satellite for investigation of conditions

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Etymology

Origin of flyby

1950–55, noun use of verb phrase fly by

Example Sentences

During the flyby, Mars' gravity will alter Psyche's path and increase its speed, reducing the amount of propellant needed for the long mission ahead.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

The flyby also provides an important chance to test and calibrate the spacecraft's science instruments before it reaches the asteroid in 2029.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

This ‘NOVA’ presentation examines the risks, accomplishments and geopolitical pressures involved in NASA’s recent lunar flyby mission.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Artemis II astronauts expressed awe on Saturday over their record-setting lunar flyby mission, urging unity on Earth after witnessing the planet's isolation like a "lifeboat" in space.

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

"With twenty percent of normal daylight, it'll take five times as long to get the same energy. It'll turn his forty five-sol trip into two hundred and twenty-five sols. He'll miss the Hermes flyby."

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir