Splashdown: meaning, definitions and examples
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splashdown
[ ˈsplæʃˌdaʊn ]
space exploration
A splashdown is the landing of a spacecraft in water, typically the ocean, after completing its mission in space. It was a common means for crewed spacecraft to return to Earth, especially during the early years of space exploration. Splashdowns allow for a gentler landing compared to land-based landings.
Synonyms
ocean landing, water landing
Examples of usage
- The Apollo missions featured several successful splashdowns.
- The spacecraft's splashdown was meticulously planned to ensure astronaut safety.
- After hours in space, the capsule made a historic splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.
Translations
Translations of the word "splashdown" in other languages:
🇵🇹 aterragem aquática
🇮🇳 जल में उतरना
🇩🇪 Wasserkontakt
🇮🇩 mendarat di air
🇺🇦 сплеск води
🇵🇱 lądowanie w wodzie
🇯🇵 水面着陸
🇫🇷 atterrissage aquatique
🇪🇸 aterrizaje acuático
🇹🇷 suya iniş
🇰🇷 수면 착륙
🇸🇦 الهبوط في الماء
🇨🇿 přistání na vodě
🇸🇰 pristát na vode
🇨🇳 水面着陆
🇸🇮 pristanek na vodi
🇮🇸 landar á vatni
🇰🇿 судың бетіне қону
🇬🇪 წყალში დაშვება
🇦🇿 suda eniş
🇲🇽 aterrizaje acuático
Etymology
The term 'splashdown' originated in the mid-20th century, gaining prominence during the early space exploration era, particularly with NASA's Apollo program in the 1960s. It combines the words 'splash', referring to the action of something hitting the water and causing a splash, and 'down', indicating the direction of the landing. Before splashdowns, earlier space missions relied on parachute deployments to land on land. The innovation of splashdowns marked a significant advancement in ensuring the safe return of astronauts and spacecraft from their journeys in orbit. This method proved vital for missions wherein recovery teams were stationed in predetermined aquatic regions. The legacy of splashdown continued with modern spaceflight endeavors, although technology now favors more sophisticated landing techniques, such as vertical landings. However, terms like splashdown remain relevant in discussions of historical space missions.