Altitude

Altitude is the vertical distance of an object or point in relation to a reference level, usually the Earth's surface. In space and astronautical engineering, altitude is an important parameter that determines the behavior of spacecraft and their orbits. The altitude of a spacecraft affects its speed, gravitational forces acting on it, and the atmospheric drag it experiences. Altitude is usually measured in kilometers or miles above mean sea level or a planetary surface. In spaceflight, altitude is often used to describe the height of an orbiting spacecraft above the Earth's surface. The altitude of a spacecraft in orbit is determined by its velocity and the gravitational forces acting on it. Altitude is also an important factor in the design and operation of rockets and launch vehicles, as it affects the amount of propellant required to reach a desired altitude.
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