ScienceAugust 3, 2026

splashdown

SPLASH-down

Definition

The act or an instance of a spacecraft landing in a body of water upon its return from space.

Etymology

A compound of 'splash' (echoic of water hitting) and 'down' (indicating descent). The term was popularized during the early US space program to describe recovery operations in the ocean.

In the news

The term is used here to describe the method by which the Indian spacecraft will safely return its crew to Earth, ending the mission with an ocean landing. It is a critical milestone for verifying the country's capability to complete human spaceflight missions.

Indian Astronauts Begin Year-Long US Strategic Training for Gaganyaan Space Mission

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