spacecraft

/ˌspeɪsˈkræft/

/ˈspeɪskrɑft/

Other forms: spacecrafts

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.

Definitions of spacecraft

1. noun

   a vehicle or device able to travel beyond Earth's atmosphere
   synonyms: ballistic capsule, space vehicle

   types:

   lander

   a space vehicle that is designed to land on the moon or another planet

   LEM, lunar excursion module, lunar module

   a spacecraft that carries astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back

   capsule, space capsule

   a spacecraft designed to transport people and support human life in outer space

   space shuttle

   a reusable spacecraft with wings for a controlled descent through the Earth's atmosphere

   spaceship, starship

   a vehicle designed for travel far outside Earth's atmosphere, such as to visit another planet (especially in science fiction)

   type of:

   craft

   a vehicle designed for navigation in or on water or air or through outer space

   artificial satellite, orbiter, satellite

   man-made equipment that orbits around the earth or the moon