What does spacewalker mean?
A spacewalker is a person who leaves the protective confines of a spacecraft and moves in space while wearing a specialized spacesuit. The expression is most closely associated with extravehicular activities, in which an astronaut works or travels outside a spacecraft, often with the help of a safety tether and other equipment. In everyday conversation, “astronaut” is more common, but “spacewalker” focuses specifically on the physical act of walking in space rather than on spaceflight as a whole. The word has a technological and adventurous sound, although it can also be used straightforwardly in reports about space missions. Its best-known historical association is with Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, who became the first person to walk in space in 1965. Today, the term remains useful when describing the people and events connected with spacewalks.
nounA person who walks outside a spacecraft in space while wearing a protective spacesuit. The term is used especially for astronauts undertaking an extravehicular activity.
- A person who performs an extravehicular activity by leaving a spacecraft and walking in space while wearing a spacesuit.
"The spacewalker carefully moved along the exterior of the station during the mission."
"The spacewalker secured a tether before stepping outside the spacecraft."
"Accounts of the mission described the spacewalker's slow movements and limited field of view."
The regular plural is “spacewalkers,” used when referring to more than one person who has walked in space.
"The film portrays several spacewalkers preparing to leave their spacecraft."
In 1965, Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov became the first person to walk in space, turning the spacewalker from a speculative idea into a historic reality.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spacewalker come from?
“Spacewalker” is an English compound formed from “space” and “walker.” It belongs to the modern vocabulary of human spaceflight and developed alongside the term “spacewalk,” which names the corresponding activity. Its components ultimately derive from established English words: “space” from Old French espace and Latin spatium, and “walker” from the Germanic root of “walk.”
How spacewalker is actually used
The word is relatively uncommon in general use, with “astronaut” and the technical phrase “EVA astronaut” serving as more usual alternatives. It is especially associated with descriptions of crewed spaceflight and space-programme history.
Easily confused with spacewalker
A spacewalker is the person performing the activity, whereas a spacewalk is the activity itself.