Standard gravitational parameterThe standard gravitational parameterμ of a celestial body is the product of the gravitational constantG and the mass M of that body.
Hyperbolic trajectoryIn astrodynamics or celestial mechanics, a hyperbolic trajectory or hyperbolic orbit (from Newtonian theory: hyperbola shape) is the trajectory of any object around a central body with enough velocity to escape the central object's gravitational field; expressed as orbital eccentricity designated by any number more than 1.
Elliptic orbitIn astrodynamics or celestial mechanics, an elliptical orbit or eccentric orbit is an orbit with an eccentricity of less than 1; this includes the special case of a circular orbit, with eccentricity equal to 0. Some orbits with high eccentricity are described as "elongated", but that is not an explanatory term. For the simple two-body problem, all orbits are ellipses.
Orbital eccentricityAn elliptic, parabolic, and hyperbolic Kepler orbit: Elliptic (eccentricity = 0.7) Parabolic (eccentricity = 1) Hyperbolic orbit (eccentricity = 1.3)Elliptic orbit by eccentricity 0 · 0.2 · 0.4 · 0.6 · 0.8In astrodynamics, the orbital eccentricity of an astronomical object is a dimensionless parameter that determines the amount by which its orbit around another body deviates from a perfect circle.
Characteristic energyIn astrodynamics, the characteristic energy (C3{\displaystyle C_{3}}) is a measure of the excess specific energy over that required to just barely escape from a massive body. The units are lengthtime, i.e. velocity squared, or energy per mass.Kepler orbitIn celestial mechanics, a Kepler orbit (or Keplerian orbit, named after the German astronomer Johannes Kepler) is the motion of one body relative to another, in the form of an ellipse, parabola, or hyperbola, which forms a two-dimensional orbital plane in three-dimensional space. A Kepler orbit can also tend toward a straight line.Escape VelocityEscape speed, often called "escape velocity", is the minimum speed an object without propulsion needs to have to move away indefinitely from the source of the gravity field.
Kinetic energyIn physics, the kinetic energy of an object is the form of energy that it possesses due to its motion. In classical mechanics, the kinetic energy of a non-rotating object of massm traveling at a speedv is 12mv2{\textstyle {\frac {1}{2}}mv^{2}}. The kinetic energy of an object is equal to the work, or force (F) in the direction of motion times its displacement (s), needed to accelerate the object from rest to its given speed.Celestial mechanicsCelestial mechanics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the motions and gravitational interactions of objects in outer space. Historically, celestial mechanics applies principles of physics (classical mechanics) to astronomical objects, such as stars and planets, to produce ephemeris data. The computation of the motion of the bodies through orbital mechanics can be simplified by using an appropriate inertial frame of reference.
ParabolaIn mathematics, a parabola ( pə-RA-bə-lə) is a plane curve which is mirror-symmetrical and is approximately U-shaped. It fits several superficially different mathematical descriptions, which can all be proved to define exactly the same curves. One description of a parabola involves a point (the focus) and a line (the directrix). The focus does not lie on the directrix. The parabola is the locus of points in that plane that are equidistant from the directrix and the focus.
Orbital mechanicsOrbital mechanics , astrodynamics or space dynamics is the application of ballistics and celestial mechanics to rockets, satellites, and other spacecraft. The motion of these objects is usually calculated from laws of motion and of universal gravitation derived by Isaac Newton. Astrodynamics is a core discipline within space-mission design and control.
Primary bodyPrime astronomical designated entity within a gravitational system Motion of the Solar System's barycenter relative to the Sun A primary body – also called a central body, host body, gravitational primary, or simply primary – is the main physical body of a gravitationally bound, multi-object system. This object constitutes most of that system's mass and will generally be located near the system's barycenter.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.