astrogation n.

the act of navigation in space, esp. by means of the observation of celestial objects

SF Encyclopedia


  • 1931 D. Lasser Conquest Space xiii. 207 David Lasser bibliography

    In interplanetary travel we must develop an exact science of three-dimensional astrogation through the heavens.

  • 1943 Astounding Science-Fiction Mar. 48/2

    Doubtless fifty years hence our pictures of rocket craft will look as crude as the engravings in the Jules Verne books do today. But it is hard to see how the principles of astragation can differ radically from the principles upon which nautical astronomy and celestial.

  • 1950 R. A. Heinlein Farmer in Sky (1975) iv. 47 Robert A. Heinlein bibliography

    Please, sir, we're in astrogation.

  • 1953 R. A. Heinlein Starman Jones (1975) i. 19 Robert A. Heinlein

    He added Uncle Chet’s circular astrogation slide rule.

  • 1990 D. Duane Doctor's Orders ix. 234 Diane Duane bibliography

    Our here, the only recourse is good astrogation.

  • 1990 B. Shaw Orbitsville Departure 195 Bob Shaw

    The only way of getting hard information was from the astrogation screens, and as soon as the thought came to mind Nicklin felt a compulsion to go to the control deck without delay.

  • 1994 B. Hambly Crossroad xi. 161 Barbara Hambly

    We're an independent research and communications corporation contracted to assist with astrogation.

Research requirements

antedating 1931
Earliest cite

D. Lasser, Conquest of Space

Last modified 2022-01-21 16:39:23
In the compilation of some entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries in OED.