extravehicular

American  

[ek-struh-vee-hik-yuh-ler] / ˌɛk strə viˈhɪk jə lər /

adjective

Aerospace.

1. of, relating to, or being an activity performed by an astronaut outside a space vehicle while in orbit.

   an extravehicular activity.

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extravehicular British  

/ ˌɛkstrəvɪˈhɪkjʊlə /

adjective

1. occurring or used outside a spacecraft, either in space or on the surface of the moon or another planet

   extravehicular activity

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Etymology

Origin of extravehicular

First recorded in 1960–65; extra- + vehicular

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

extravehicular

The mission's primary objectives are to "continue carrying out space science and application work, conduct astronauts' extravehicular activities and cargo transfer in and out of the cabin", the CMSA's Zhang told reporters.

From Barron's ● May 23, 2026

“You would put your feet in, put your arms in, and then kind of shimmy down into the suit,” said Russell Ralston, deputy program manager for extravehicular activity at Axiom Space.

From New York Times ● Mar. 15, 2023

It will provide space for science experiments in zero gravity, an airlock for exposure to the vacuum of space, and a small robotic arm to support extravehicular payloads.

From Washington Times ● Oct. 31, 2022

Wentian features an airlock cabin that is to be the main exit-entry point for extravehicular activities when the station is completed.

From Reuters ● Jul. 24, 2022

There is also no specific body type required to be an astronaut, but you do have to fit in the spacesuit—called the extravehicular mobility unit—that the astronauts wear to do spacewalks.

From Scientific American ● Jun. 21, 2020