Elliptical Orbits
Elliptical orbits are the paths taken by objects as they move around a central body, such as a planet orbiting a star. These orbits are characterized by their shape, which is an ellipse, and their eccentricity, which is a measure of how much the ellipse deviates from a perfect circle. In space and astronautical engineering, elliptical orbits are important because they allow spacecraft to conserve fuel by taking advantage of the gravitational pull of planets and other celestial bodies. By using a series of gravity assists, a spacecraft can change its trajectory and speed without expending large amounts of fuel. Additionally, elliptical orbits are used in satellite communication systems, where the satellite is placed in a geostationary orbit that follows the rotation of the Earth, allowing it to remain in a fixed position relative to the ground.
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