astrogation
|as-tro-ga-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌæstrəˈɡeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌæstrəˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/
navigation through space
Etymology
'astrogation' originates from Modern English, coined by blending the prefix 'astro-' (from Greek 'astron', meaning 'star') with the latter element of 'navigation' (from Latin 'navigatio', meaning 'the act of sailing or navigating').
'astrogation' was formed in the 20th century as a blend of 'astro-' + 'navigation', influenced by scientific and science-fiction usage; 'astro-' comes from Greek 'astron' and 'navigation' traces back through Middle English and Latin 'navigatio'.
Initially it could refer more narrowly to navigation by stars (celestial navigation); over time it has come to be used especially for the navigation or piloting of spacecraft in technical and fictional contexts.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the navigation or piloting of spacecraft; the methods and practice of determining and following a course through outer space.
She studied astrogation to become a starship navigator.
Synonyms
Noun 2
(Historically/less commonly) Navigation by the stars; celestial navigation techniques applied in a space or nautical context.
Early science fiction manuals described astrogation as charting a course by visible stars and reference bodies.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/07 23:58