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Telemetry is used to obtain data on the internal functioning of missiles, rockets, unmanned planes, satellites, and probes, providing data on such factors as position, altitude, and speed as well as conditions like temperature, air pressure, wind speed, and radiation. Weather forecasters rely on telemetry to map weather patterns. Astronauts on the space shuttle are monitored with telemetry that measures and transmits readings on their blood pressure, respiration, and heart rates. Similar kinds of telemetry are used by biologists to study animals in the wild and keep track of their populations and movements. Telemetry is also widely used in modern agriculture, often to regulate irrigation.
Examples of telemetry in a Sentence
Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025
The craft was able to launch at SpaceX’s private Starbase site in Texas, but telemetry data revealed that several of the spacecraft's engines had failed, triggering the explosion before the booster and spacecraft could even separate.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025
Most drones rely on radio frequencies to receive commands from a remote operator and to transmit video or telemetry back.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025
The agreement will allow the agencies to use each others' ground stations for telemetry, tracking and command functions.
—Andrew Jones, Space.com, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for telemetry
Cite this Entry
“Telemetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/telemetry. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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telemetry
noun
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