space capsule
5
4.2
- noun
- /speɪs ˈkæpsəl/
- Specialized
:
cápsula espacial
- After months of testing, the new space capsule was finally deemed ready for its first flight.
- Soyuz space capsule
- Mercury space capsule
- Gemini space capsule
They're in a space capsule, which is not very large.
- They're in a space capsule, which is not very large.
- That's NASA's next manned space capsule.
- They actually were essential in plotting how the, you know, the trajectories for the for the mercury, for the space capsule saying that wrong.
Examples
-
Then the pair rejoined Michael Collins aboard the Apollo 11 space capsule for their return trip home.
Blog text (29) -
When President John F. Kennedy announced in May 1961 his goal to send a man to the moon, the United States had accomplished exactly 15 minutes of human spaceflight time: Alan Shepard's sub-orbital flight in the Mercury space capsule, Freedom 7.
Academic text (2009) -
I'm happy that the rockets and space capsules have not had many problems.
Fiction book (2001) -
They're in a space capsule, which is not very large.
-
Automated space probes seemed all very well in their way, but nothing could command attention like a space capsule with a crew.
Academic text (1990) -
Imagine climbing into a space capsule and being lifted by a balloon to an altitude of more than 24 miles.
Blog text (18) -
NASA is testing the giant heavyweight parachutes being developed for the next space capsule that will ferry humans into orbit, Orion.
Blog text (7) -
Then, one bright morning almost a half-year later, Commander Rhonda and I were buckled into our specially molded chairs inside the space capsule.
Fiction book (1999) -
The TKS-derived space capsules resemble American Gemini capsules, but unlike the two-person Gemini, they are reusable and can carry three passengers or operate autonomously.
Academic text (2008) -
The astronauts were thrilled as they prepared to enter the space capsule for their mission to Mars.
Synonyms
165
4.2
A vehicle that travels in outer space
164
4.3
A vehicle that carries people between planets or stars, often in stories
141
4.6
A vehicle that travels on water, in air, or in space
69
4.2
A reusable vehicle with wings that carries people and cargo to space and returns to Earth
60
6.9
A small spacecraft that carries people and keeps them alive
36
7.9
A small vehicle that carries people and goods between a spaceship and a space station
13
8.1
A small vehicle that moves people and cargo short distances between a large ship and a planet or station
4
3.5
A machine built to travel in outer space, like a spacecraft or satellite
A small spacecraft that follows a curved path to carry people into space
How Habitable
- Specialized
131
3.9
- Specialized
69
6.3
- Specialized
69
4.2
- Specialized
5
4.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound combines 'space' (outer space) and 'capsule' (an enclosed module/container), so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer it refers to a capsule designed for use in space to carry/support people and return to Earth. This follows a regular noun+noun compounding pattern with clear cross-linguistic parallels, making the meaning directly derivable from the parts.
Etymology
Space capsule comes from the word capsule, meaning a small, strong container. Picture a small metal pod that carries people through space and protects them during the trip and when they 'return to Earth', and that's why the term means 'a small spacecraft that carries people and keeps them safe'.