What is "space probe"

space probe \space" probe\, n. an unmanned rocket carrying instruments to explore objects or conditions in outer space; -- used mostly for vehicles travelling beyond the earth's gravitational field, rather than in orbital or suborbital flight.

n. An unmanned space vehicle designed to voyage beyond Earth orbit

n. a rocket-propelled guided missile that can escape the earth's atmosphere; makes observations of the solar system that cannot be made by terrestrial observation

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Some fifteen space probes are operational as of February 2016.

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A space probe is a robotic spacecraft that leaves Earth orbit and explores space. It may approach the Moon; enter interplanetary space; flyby, orbit, or land on other planetary bodies; or approach interstellar space.

See List of active Solar System probes for a list of active probes; the space agencies of the USSR (now Russia and Ukraine), the United States, the European Union, Japan, China and India have in the aggregate launched probes to several planets and moons of the Solar System as well as to a number of asteroids and comets. Approximately fifteen missions are currently operational.

Space Probe was a Giant Drop ride located at Wonderland Sydney in Australia. It was manufactured by Intamin and opened as the world's tallest and fastest free-fall ride. The ride opened in November 1995 and closed on 26 April 2004.