spacecraft

American  

[speys-kraft, -krahft] / ˈspeɪsˌkræft, -ˌkrɑft /

noun

plural

spacecraft

1. a vehicle designed for travel or operation in space beyond the earth's atmosphere or in orbit around the earth.

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spacecraft British  

/ ˈspeɪsˌkrɑːft /

noun

1. a manned or unmanned vehicle designed to orbit the earth or travel to celestial objects for the purpose of research, exploration, etc

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Etymology

Origin of spacecraft

First recorded in 1955–60; space + craft

Explanation

A spacecraft is a vehicle designed to travel beyond Earth's atmosphere. In 1969, the Apollo 11 lunar module was the first crewed spacecraft to land on the Moon. Rockets, space shuttles, satellites, and the International Space Station are all examples of spacecraft. Any machine, device, or vehicle that's designed to travel in outer space falls into this category, whether or not it carries humans. Spacecraft is a more scientific term than spaceship — but both words were originally used in 19th- and 20th-century science fiction.

Example Sentences

However, the Orion spacecraft experienced issues with helium valves on Orion’s propulsion system, which helps the crew navigate in space.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Around Earth, the agency plans to test docking procedures between its Orion spacecraft and the lunar landers that will carry astronauts from the moon’s orbit down to its surface.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

It's important not to forget that this was a test flight - the first time any humans had flown on both the rocket and the spacecraft.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration approved Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max for use on the voyage, adding a consumer staple to the Nikon cameras and other devices loaded on the Lockheed Martin-built Orion spacecraft.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

Its mission takes it so far from the sun that it cannot be powered by solar energy, as other spacecraft are.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• rocket
• shuttle
• space capsule
• space probe