astrogation n.

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

SF Encyclopedia


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

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

  • 1943 R. S. Richardson Space Fix in Astounding Science-Fiction Mar. 48/2 page image R. S. Richardson bibliography

    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 bibliography

    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 bibliography

    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 bibliography

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

  • 2005 D. Weber & J. Ringo We Few 46 page image David Weber John Ringo bibliography

    Stars’re all you got to go by when you’re out in the beyond. And later, we had astrogation in school. Miners don’t always have beacon references to go by. I can pilot and steer by stellar location.

  • 2013 N. Asher Jupiter War xiv. 345 page image Neal Asher bibliography

    Amalgamating in one mental program the Mach-effect drive, steering thrusters, gyroscopic stability, astrogation data and the infinitesimal changes to his ship’s vector caused by railgun launches, he fired one shot every three-point-six seconds.


Research requirements

antedating 1931

Earliest cite

D. Lasser, Conquest of Space

Last modified 2024-08-02 12:08:01
In the compilation of some entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries in OED.