lander

American  

[lan-der] / ˈlæn dər /

noun

1. a space probe designed to land on a planet or other solid celestial body.

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lander British  

/ ˈlændə /

noun

1. a spacecraft designed to land on a planet or other body Compare orbiter

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Etymology

Origin of lander

First recorded in 1960–65; land + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The two spacecraft are expected to remain connected for roughly two days while the crew conducts tests and demonstrations, including entering the lander.

From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026

The astronauts will begin training immediately on Orion systems while also supporting the development and testing of the Blue Origin and SpaceX lander prototypes that will be used during the mission.

From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026

It has tested its Mengzhou capsule and Lanyue lander, and is preparing a new heavy-lift rocket called the Long March 10.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

The reason was simple: the SpaceX Starship lander contracted to carry astronauts to the surface is not ready, and the in-orbit refuelling it depends on has never been demonstrated.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026

Here's the cool part: I will eventually go to Schiaparelli and commandeer the Ares 4 lander.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir