Orbital Phase

In the context of aerospace engineering, 'Orbital Phase' refers to the specific position of a spacecraft or satellite in its orbit around a celestial body at any given time. The orbital phase is determined by the angle between the direction of the spacecraft and the direction of the celestial body it is orbiting. This angle is measured from the center of the celestial body. The orbital phase is a crucial aspect of space missions as it influences the spacecraft's visibility from Earth, its exposure to sunlight (which can affect its power supply and thermal control), and its communication with ground stations. The orbital phase also plays a significant role in mission planning and execution, particularly for missions involving rendezvous and docking with other spacecraft, lunar landings, and interplanetary transfers. The calculation of the orbital phase involves complex mathematical models and takes into account various factors such as the gravitational pull of the celestial body, the spacecraft's velocity, and the effects of other celestial bodies.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
  • Corrosion: Corrosion is the gradual destruction of materials (usually metals) by chemical and/or electrochemical reaction with their environment. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, corrosion can occur due to exposure to harsh space ... Read More >>
  • Frequency (F): Frequency (F) is the number of cycles of a periodic signal that occur per unit of time. In space and astronautical engineering, frequency is an important parameter in the design and operation of communication systems, as well as in the anal ... Read More >>
  • Organism: In the context of space and astronautical engineering, an organism refers to any living entity that is capable of surviving and reproducing in space environments. This includes microorganisms, plants, and animals that have been studied in s ... Read More >>
Top News

Orionids meteor shower is this weekend: Where and when to watch its peak...

Orionids meteor shower is this weekend: Where and when to watch its peakgo.com...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-10-18

Acting or hosting, Travis Kelce wants to continue to pursue a showbiz career. Bu...

Travis Kelce is the host of “Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?”...

News Source: ABC News on 2024-10-09

Now is a great time to see Saturn in all its ringed glory...

My first sight of Saturn through a telescope inspired my love of space. Dig out your telescopes or visit your local astronomy club, and you may be lucky enough to spot our sixth planet's stunning thic...

News Source: New Scientist on 2024-10-09

Was Bruce Willis right? Could a nuclear blast save us from killer asteroid?...

Scientists simulated a nuclear explosion using x-ray pulses to push an asteroid-like rock away in space-like conditions....

News Source: Al Jazeera English on 2024-10-04

China's answer to SpaceX's Starlink is also threatening astronomy...

The first 18 satellites of a planned Chinese mega constellation are brighter than all but 500 stars in the sky, raising fears of a huge impact on astronomy...

News Source: New Scientist on 2024-10-03