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

The second, the Laser Retroreflective Array, will help orbiting spacecraft determine precise locations by reflecting laser signals.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

Instead of producing a powerful burst of thrust, they generate a steady push over long periods, gradually accelerating spacecraft to very high speeds.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

The spacecraft company, which went public in August, posted higher sales in its latest quarter that beat Wall Street’s estimates.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

The spacecraft company reports higher sales in its latest quarter.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

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

• rocket
• shuttle
• space capsule
• space probe