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

Example Sentences

This path allows the spacecraft to observe areas of the Sun that are normally hidden from Earth, including its far side.

From Science Daily

The spacecraft are expected to attempt a trans-Mars injection engine burn in November 2026 and arrive at the planet in September of next year, according to NASA.

From MarketWatch

The spacecraft are expected to attempt a trans-Mars injection engine burn in November 2026 and arrive at the planet in September of next year, according to NASA.

From MarketWatch

For example, she believes we may see pharmaceutical companies making the next generation of medicines in microgravity, i.e. on board an orbiting spacecraft.

From BBC

Electrical discharges could interfere with sensitive electronics aboard robotic spacecraft and may pose hazards for future human missions if not properly managed.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• rocket
• shuttle
• space capsule
• space probe