orbital mechanics

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

the branch of physics and engineering that studies the motion of artificial satellites, spacecraft, and natural celestial bodies under the influence of gravity and other forces, applying Newton's laws of motion and the principles of Newtonian gravity as refined by Einstein's general relativity to predict, plan, and correct trajectories in space; orbital mechanics provides the mathematical foundation for launching satellites into specific orbits, planning interplanetary missions that use gravitational slingshots to gain speed, calculating re-entry trajectories, and executing the precise burns that rendezvous and dock spacecraft; the field is built on Kepler's laws of planetary motion and has evolved from hand-calculated tables to sophisticated computer models that account for gravitational perturbations from multiple bodies, atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, and relativistic effects