Difference between revisions of "Orbit"

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== Orbiting ==
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[[File:MohoSmall.png|thumb|right|A spacecraft in orbit around [[Moho]].]]
  
Orbiting can be achieved by escaping the surface of a planet or moon.
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An '''orbit''' is an [[w:ellipse|elliptical]] path around a celestial body. The point on an orbit which is closest to the orbited body is called the ''periapsis''; the furthest point is the ''apoapsis''.
  
An orbit is a circle or oval loop that your spacecraft will proceed around the celestial body.
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An orbit is considered "stable" if all points in the orbit are above the terrain and atmosphere of the orbited body. A spacecraft in such an orbit will not lose velocity due to atmospheric drag or collisions with terrain.
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To achieve orbit, a spacecraft must reach a sufficient altitude and orbital velocity. During ascent, a [[gravity turn]] helps to achieve both of these goals in a fuel-efficient way.
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== External links ==
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* [[w:Orbit|''Orbit'' article on Wikipedia]]
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* [[w:Apsis|''Apsis'' article on Wikipedia]]

Revision as of 17:20, 31 October 2012

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physics

A spacecraft in orbit around Moho.

An orbit is an elliptical path around a celestial body. The point on an orbit which is closest to the orbited body is called the periapsis; the furthest point is the apoapsis.

An orbit is considered "stable" if all points in the orbit are above the terrain and atmosphere of the orbited body. A spacecraft in such an orbit will not lose velocity due to atmospheric drag or collisions with terrain.

To achieve orbit, a spacecraft must reach a sufficient altitude and orbital velocity. During ascent, a gravity turn helps to achieve both of these goals in a fuel-efficient way.

External links