Orbital Elements

Orbital elements are the parameters that define the shape and orientation of an object's orbit around another object. In space and astronautical engineering, these elements are used to calculate the position and velocity of a spacecraft or celestial body at any given time. The six orbital elements are the semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, longitude of the ascending node, argument of periapsis, and true anomaly. The semi-major axis is the distance between the center of mass of the two objects, while eccentricity describes the shape of the orbit. Inclination is the angle between the orbital plane and a reference plane, while longitude of the ascending node is the angle between the reference direction and the point where the orbit crosses the reference plane. Argument of periapsis is the angle between the ascending node and the point of closest approach to the primary object, and true anomaly is the angle between the periapsis and the current position of the object.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
  • Solid-state Lithium-ion Batteries: Solid-state lithium-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery that use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid or gel electrolyte. The solid electrolyte can be made of various materials, such as ceramics or polymers, and allows for h ... Read More >>
  • ARGOS: ARGOS (Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite) is a satellite-based system used for tracking and collecting data from wildlife and environmental sensors. It is a joint program between the United States and France, and is operate ... Read More >>
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Communication Systems: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Communication Systems refer to the integrated network of hardware and software that enables the transmission and reception of information between a UAV and its control station. This system is crucial in aerospa ... Read More >>
Top News

Bestselling author explains the science of happiness: "You can do the work"...

Bestselling author and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks opens up about how enjoyment, satisfaction and meaning in life can increase a person's wellbeing....

News Source: CBS News on 2024-11-18

November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. H...

November's full moon, known as the Beaver Moon, is the last supermoon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Beaver Moon....

News Source: CBS News on 2024-11-15

You can't put a price on the sense of awe particle physics inspires...

Astronomy and particle physics are no longer seen as vital by the US establishment, so funding has fallen. But our work creates a sense of wonder, and wonder matters, says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein...

News Source: New Scientist on 2024-11-13

If you want to stretch your gift game into days this holiday, check out these ad...

The advent calendar phenomenon is growing every year, with so many exciting, fun, beautiful, and delicious options available...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-11-04

November brings a bonanza of meteor showers...

November brings a skywatching bonanza, with three meteor showers — the Southern Taurids, Northern Taurids and Orionids — offering chances to see shooting stars....

News Source: NBC News on 2024-11-02