What does spacewalk mean?
A spacewalk is an excursion outside a spacecraft in which an astronaut wears a spacesuit and moves or works in the vacuum of space. The term is closely associated with the technical expression 'extravehicular activity,' often abbreviated EVA, because a spacewalk is the practical activity rather than simply a walk in space. Spacewalks are used for tasks such as inspecting spacecraft, testing equipment, repairing satellites, and assembling or maintaining space stations. They require extensive preparation, specialized tools, and careful coordination between the people inside a spacecraft and those outside it. As a verb, 'spacewalk' describes undertaking such an excursion, as in reports of an astronaut spacewalking during a mission. The word is familiar in general English because of its close association with human spaceflight, although it remains more precise and less common than the broader term 'spacewalk' used in headlines.
An activity in which an astronaut leaves a spacecraft and moves or works outside it while wearing a spacesuit.
"The astronaut completed a spacewalk to inspect the outside of the station."
Also called an extravehicular activity, or EVA, especially in technical and institutional contexts.
To move or work outside a spacecraft while wearing a spacesuit.
"The astronaut spacewalked to repair a damaged solar panel."
Most common in reporting and descriptions of space missions.
The plural is spacewalks.
"Several spacewalks have been conducted from the station."
A spacewalk turns a spacecraft into a launch platform and its exterior into a worksite, laboratory, or dramatic panorama of space.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spacewalk come from?
The word is a compound of 'space' and 'walk', using the older sense of 'space' meaning outer space or the region beyond Earth. The compound became established in the language of spaceflight during the mid-20th century, as human spaceflight developed. 'Space' ultimately derives from Latin 'spatium', while 'walk' descends from Old English 'wælcan', meaning to move about on foot.
Related word forms
How spacewalk is actually used
In technical contexts, the term is commonly expanded as 'extravehicular activity' or abbreviated 'EVA'. As a verb, 'spacewalk' is used especially in reports of space missions and is less common in general speech.