space probe

American  

noun

1. Aerospace. an unmanned spacecraft designed to explore the solar system and transmit data back to earth.

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space probe British  

noun

1. a vehicle, such as a satellite, equipped to obtain scientific information, normally transmitted back to earth by radio, about the atmosphere, surface, and temperature of a planet, conditions in space, etc

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Etymology

Origin of space probe

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

"We're not there yet. But we're currently developing a new space probe at ESA called Vigil which will be dedicated exclusively to improving our understanding of space weather," says the scientist.

From Science Daily • Jan. 13, 2026

In 2034, NASA's space probe Dragonfly is expected to reach Titan, with the aim of investigating what is on its surface.

From Science Daily • Oct. 17, 2025

The space probe flew through them seven times during its 13-year mission, discovering organic molecules such as methane and formaldehyde, and hydrogen, a potential energy source for microbes.

From Science Magazine • May 30, 2023

Danuri, a South Korean space probe, was launched in August and is due to enter lunar orbit on Dec. 16.

From New York Times • Dec. 11, 2022

April 3, 1966: The Luna 10 space probe becomes the first spacecraft to orbit the moon.

From "Women in Space" by Karen Bush Gibson

Related Words

• spy satellite