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

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the spacecraft includes a module where the astronauts live and work.

From The Wall Street Journal

During this time the astronauts will conduct various checks to ensure the reliability and safety of the spacecraft -- it has never carried humans before -- before venturing further.

From Barron's

Another Navy veteran, Victor Glover, 49, will serve as pilot of the Orion spacecraft.

From Barron's

Artemis 2's objectives include verifying that both the rocket and the spacecraft are in working order in the hopes of paving the way for a return and Moon landing in 2028.

From Barron's

All of those spacecraft need to be operational in LEO by Feb. 10, 2035.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• rocket
• shuttle
• space capsule
• space probe