noun
space probe
Technical term used in astronomy and space exploration. Refers to unmanned spacecraft designed to explore celestial bodies.
NASAの探査機が火星に着陸した。
NASA's space probe landed on Mars.
この探査機は木星の大気を調査する予定だ。
This probe is scheduled to investigate Jupiter's atmosphere.
ローバー is a rover that moves on the surface, while 探査機 can be any type of space probe, including orbiters and landers.
Compound of 探査 (tansa, 'exploration') + 機 (ki, 'machine').