Spacecraft
/ˈspeɪskrɑːft/
Definitions
A vehicle designed for spaceflight.
/ˈspeɪskrɑːft/
A vehicle designed for space travel.
The spacecraft launched successfully, carrying a crew of astronauts.
💡 Simply: It's like a special car or spaceship that travels in space! Imagine blasting off to the stars in a spacecraft. It's the vehicle astronauts use!
👶 For kids: A spaceship that goes up into the sky!
More Examples
Scientists are studying the data transmitted from the spacecraft.
The mission of the spacecraft was to explore Mars.
How It's Used
"The spacecraft orbited Earth for several months before returning."
"The protagonists escaped the alien planet aboard a damaged spacecraft."
From 'space' (referring to outer space) and 'craft' (a vessel or vehicle). The term emerged with the dawn of the space age in the mid-20th century.
The word 'spacecraft' emerged in the mid-20th century with the dawn of the space age and has remained consistent in meaning.
Memory tip
Think of a 'craft' that takes you to 'space'.
Word Origin
"A craft designed for space, derived from 'space' and 'craft'."