"Orbital mechanics or astrodynamics is the application of ballistics and celestial mechanics to the practical problems concerning the motion of rockets and other spacecraft."
Study of the motion and dynamics of objects in space.
Celestial mechanics: Study of the motion of celestial objects, such as planets, moons, and asteroids, under the effect of Gravity.
Kepler's laws of planetary motion: Three laws used to describe the motion of planets around the sun, as well as other similar systems.
Newton's laws of motion: Three laws that explain the relationship between an object and the forces acting on it.
Orbital elements: Quantitative parameters that describe the orbit of a spacecraft, such as the eccentricity, inclination, and argument of periapsis.
Two-body problem: Simplified model in which only two massive objects, such as a planet and a spacecraft or two planets, interact gravitationally.
Perturbation methods: Mathematical techniques used to account for the effects of other bodies or forces on the orbit, such as the gravitational attraction of the moon, the sun or the atmosphere.
Hohmann transfer orbit: A type of trajectory used to transfer a spacecraft from one circular orbit around a celestial body to another one.
Orbital maneuvers: Changes in velocity, position or orientation of a spacecraft, to adjust its orbit.
Orbital debris: Man-made objects or fragments, in orbit around the Earth, that pose a threat to other spacecraft.
Satellite constellations: A system of satellites, usually placed in circular or elliptical orbits, that work together to provide specific services (navigation, communication, and remote sensing).
Reaction wheels: Devices used to control the orientation of a spacecraft, by changing the angular momentum.
Attitude determination and control systems: Subsystems that allow a spacecraft to know its orientation and to perform necessary adjustments.
Launch and ascent dynamics: The motion and forces that a spacecraft experiences during the launch phase.
Re-entry: The process of returning a spacecraft to Earth, including the design of heat shields, deceleration system and landing procedures.
Autonomous space navigation: Techniques and technologies used to enable spacecraft to navigate without support from ground-based systems.
Uncertainty analysis and optimization: Techniques used to quantify and manage uncertainties in orbital calculations and spacecraft design.
Interplanetary transfer orbits: Trajectories used to navigate from one planet to another, accounting for gravitational assist and other effects.
Non-Keplerian dynamics: Behaviors that cannot be described by Kepler's laws of planetary motion, such as chaotic and chaotic tissular phenomena.
Orbital pertubations: The effects that various factors have on the stability and characteristics of orbits, such as atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, and tidal forces.
Stationkeeping and constellation management: Activities that maintain the desired spacing, orientation and position of a group of satellites or other space objects.
Keplerian Orbit: This is the simplest type of orbit and is defined by three main parameters: the semi-major axis, eccentricity, and inclination. These parameters determine the shape, size, and orientation of the orbit.
Hohmann transfer: This is a type of orbital transfer that uses two impulsive burns to transfer a spacecraft from one circular orbit to another that is farther out or closer in.
Bi-elliptic transfer: This is another type of orbital transfer that involves two impulsive burns, but instead of being used to change the altitude of the spacecraft, they are used to change the shape of the orbit.
Gravity assist: This is a technique that uses the gravitational pull of a planet or moon to alter the trajectory of a spacecraft. This is a common technique used in interplanetary missions.
Lagrange point orbit: These are orbits that are located at one of the five Lagrange points in the Earth-Sun system. These points are locations where the gravitational pull of the Earth and Sun balance out, allowing a spacecraft to remain in a stable position.
Stationkeeping: This is the process of maintaining a spacecraft in a specific orbit or location. This requires the use of propulsion to offset the effects of gravity, atmospheric drag, and other factors that can cause the spacecraft to drift.
Attitude control: This is the process of controlling the orientation of a spacecraft in orbit. This is done using a combination of thrusters, gyroscopes, and other sensors to maintain a specific attitude.
Orbital debris mitigation: This is the process of minimizing the creation and impact of orbital debris, which can pose a hazard to spacecraft in orbit.
Re-entry: This is the process of returning a spacecraft to Earth or other planetary bodies. This requires the use of heat shields and other technologies to protect the spacecraft from the extreme temperatures and forces of re-entry.
Interplanetary trajectory design: This is the process of planning and executing trajectories for spacecraft that will travel between planets or other celestial bodies.
Orbital rendezvous and docking: This is the process of bringing two spacecraft together in orbit and coupling them together. This is a key part of crewed missions and satellite servicing missions.
"The motion of these objects is usually calculated from Newton's laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation."
"Orbital mechanics is a core discipline within space-mission design and control."
"Celestial mechanics treats more broadly the orbital dynamics of systems under the influence of gravity, including both spacecraft and natural astronomical bodies such as star systems, planets, moons, and comets."
"Orbital mechanics focuses on spacecraft trajectories, including orbital maneuvers, orbital plane changes, and interplanetary transfers."
"Orbital mechanics is used by mission planners to predict the results of propulsive maneuvers."
"General relativity is a more exact theory than Newton's laws for calculating orbits, and it is sometimes necessary to use it for greater accuracy or in high-gravity situations (e.g. orbits near the Sun)."
"Ballistics and celestial mechanics contribute to the practical problems concerning the motion of rockets and other spacecraft."
"Natural astronomical bodies such as star systems, planets, moons, and comets are considered in celestial mechanics."
"Spacecraft trajectories, including orbital maneuvers, orbital plane changes, and interplanetary transfers, are studied in orbital mechanics."
"The motion of these objects is usually calculated from Newton's laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation."
"Orbital mechanics is a core discipline within space-mission design and control."
"General relativity is a more exact theory than Newton's laws for calculating orbits, and it is sometimes necessary to use it for greater accuracy or in high-gravity situations (e.g. orbits near the Sun)."
"Orbital mechanics or astrodynamics is the application of ballistics and celestial mechanics to the practical problems concerning the motion of rockets and other spacecraft."
"Celestial mechanics treats more broadly the orbital dynamics of systems under the influence of gravity, including both spacecraft and natural astronomical bodies such as star systems, planets, moons, and comets."
"The motion of these objects is usually calculated from Newton's laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation."
"Orbital mechanics focuses on spacecraft trajectories, including orbital maneuvers, orbital plane changes, and interplanetary transfers."
"Orbital mechanics is used by mission planners to predict the results of propulsive maneuvers."
"General relativity is a more exact theory than Newton's laws for calculating orbits, and it is sometimes necessary to use it for greater accuracy or in high-gravity situations (e.g. orbits near the Sun)."
"Orbital mechanics is a core discipline within space-mission design and control."