Spaceplane - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A spaceplane is a vehicle that can fly like an airplane in Earth's atmosphere and also operate as a spacecraft in outer space, combining features of both aircraft and rockets.
Definition:
A vehicle that operates as both an aircraft and a spacecraft, capable of flying in Earth's atmosphere and space.
Synonyms:
aerospace plane, orbital plane, reusable spacecraft
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
traditional aircraft, submarine, ground vehicle
Common Collocations:
reusable spaceplane, hypersonic spaceplane, launch a spaceplane, spaceplane technology, military spaceplane
Derivatives:
spaceplanes (plural), spaceplaning (gerund)
Usage Tips:
Use "spaceplane" to describe hybrid vehicles like the Space Shuttle, combining airplane and spacecraft features.
Common Phrases:
next-generation spaceplane, commercial spaceplane, experimental spaceplane
Etymology:
Compound of "space" and "plane," first used in mid-20th century for vehicles bridging atmospheric and orbital flight.
Examples:
- 1. The spaceplane landed smoothly after its mission.
- 2. Scientists are developing a reusable spaceplane for frequent trips to orbit.
- 3. The military tested a hypersonic spaceplane for rapid global reach.
- 4. Private companies aim to make spaceplanes affordable for tourists.