space probe
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space probe
An unmanned spacecraft that is sent into space to explore celestial bodies such as planets, moons, or comets and send scientific data back to Earth.
Die Raumsonde Voyager 1 hat unser Sonnensystem bereits verlassen.
The Voyager 1 space probe has already left our solar system.
The word is a compound of 'Raum' (space, here in the sense of outer space) and 'Sonde' (probe). A probe is a device used to investigate something unknown.
Die Raumsonde „Juno“ untersucht den Planeten Jupiter.
The 'Juno' space probe is studying the planet Jupiter.
The base word 'die Sonde' (the probe) refers to an instrument used for exploration or investigation. If you know this word, you will also understand other terms such as 'Wettersonde' (weather balloon/probe) or 'Magensonde' (stomach tube, in the medical field).
Eine Wettersonde sammelt Daten über die Atmosphäre.
A weather probe collects data about the atmosphere.
Typical verbs used with 'Raumsonde' (space probe) are 'starten' (to launch), 'entsenden' (to send out), or 'schicken' (to send). When the probe is active, it 'erforscht' (explores) or 'untersucht' (studies/investigates) something.
Die NASA plant, eine neue Raumsonde zum Mars zu schicken.
NASA is planning to send a new space probe to Mars.
satellite
Satellit and Raumsonde can both refer to artificial spacecraft in space. Satellit primarily describes the fact that the device orbits a planet. Raumsonde, on the other hand, emphasizes the research mission and does not have to remain in orbit. For a research device in orbit, both words are therefore possible, but with a different focus.
Die Raumsonde erforscht den Planeten und sendet wissenschaftliche Daten zur Erde.
The space probe is exploring the planet and sending scientific data back to Earth.
Der Satellit umkreist den Planeten und überträgt regelmäßig Messdaten.
The satellite orbits the planet and regularly transmits measurement data.
