lander
UK: ˈlændə | US: ˈlændər
n. a spacecraft designed to land on a celestial body (e.g., the Moon or Mars)
n. a person or thing that lands (e.g., a pilot or aircraft component)
The word "lander" combines "land" (from Old English land, meaning "ground" or "earth") with the agentive suffix "-er," which denotes a person or device performing an action. Originally used for pilots or vessels, its meaning expanded in the 20th century to describe spacecraft designed for planetary landings. The morphemes reflect a straightforward evolution from terrestrial to extraterrestrial contexts.
The Mars lander successfully touched down on the red planet.
The lunar lander carried astronauts to the Moon's surface.
As a skilled lander, the pilot executed a smooth touchdown.
Engineers tested the lander's parachute system rigorously.
The Viking landers provided the first close-up images of Mars.