astronautics

American  

[as-truh-naw-tiks, -not-iks] / ˌæs trəˈnɔ tɪks, -ˈnɒt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the science of or technology involved in travel beyond the earth's atmosphere, including interplanetary and interstellar flight.

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astronautics British  

/ ˌæstrəˈnɔːtɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the science and technology of space flight

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Other Word Forms

• astronautic adjective
• astronautically adverb

Etymology

Origin of astronautics

First recorded in 1925–30; astronautical, -ics

Example Sentences

"We will be drawing on our expertise in electronics, fundamental science, astronautics, artificial intelligence and many others, to enrich the UK space industry and support the national space strategy."

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

“Twenty years ago, you would not have characterized the space business as fast moving,” said Daniel Hastings, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT.

From Seattle Times • May 10, 2024

Dawson and Chuchu Fan, assistant professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT, are presenting their work this week at the Conference on Robotic Learning.

From Science Daily • Nov. 9, 2023

Crumbly foods are a big no-no in astronautics because bits adrift in microgravity can wreak untold havoc on delicate spacecraft components.

From Scientific American • Jun. 12, 2023

As far back as I can remember in my childhood, I was always interested in astronautics.

From Man Made by Teichner, Albert