ballistic capsule
- noun
- /bəˈlɪstɪk ˈkæpsəl/
- Archaic
:
cápsula balística
- The Mercury missions used a ballistic capsule to send astronauts into orbit.
Examples
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Engineers designed the ballistic capsule to withstand the intense heat of atmospheric reentry.
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During reentry, the ballistic capsule followed a steep descent path through Earth's atmosphere.
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The ballistic capsule launched successfully.
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NASA developed the ballistic capsule for early missions.
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The Mercury missions used a ballistic capsule to send astronauts into orbit.
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Engineers designed the ballistic capsule to withstand the intense heat of atmospheric reentry.
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During reentry, the ballistic capsule followed a steep descent path through Earth's atmosphere.
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
5
4.2
A small spacecraft that carries people in space and returns to Earth
4
3.5
A machine built to travel in outer space, like a spacecraft or satellite
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun is directly compositional: 'ballistic' (moving under momentum/gravity) modifies 'capsule' (a pressurized module), so the phrase straightforwardly denotes a capsule that follows a ballistic trajectory. Although technical, this adjective+noun combination follows standard composition patterns and a learner who knows both words can infer the intended spacecraft meaning.
Etymology
Ballistic capsule comes from the simple image of a small capsule moving like a 'thrown' stone; ballistic means it follows a simple path after launch with no engine power. That's why the name refers to a small spacecraft that goes into space and then returns along that unpowered path.