AEROBRAKE Meaning and
Definition
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Aerobrake is a noun that refers to a mechanical or engineering device used in spaceflight or aerospace technology to decelerate an object, such as a spacecraft, satellite, or probe, by making use of the drag force exerted by a planet or atmosphere during atmospheric entry. The term "aerobrake" is derived from the combination of two terms: "aero" which pertains to air or gases related to the Earth's atmosphere, and "brake" which denotes a device used to slow down or bring something to a halt.
Typically, an aerobrake comprises a large surface area, often in the form of a deployable shield or wing-like structure, which is designed to increase the object's atmospheric drag during reentry. By generating significant drag, the aerobrake effectively reduces the object's velocity, enabling it to enter a stable orbit or land softly on a celestial body, such as a planet or moon. This technique allows for more precise control over a spacecraft's trajectory and landing, minimizing fuel consumption and the risk of damage upon touchdown.
Aerobraking is widely employed in space missions, particularly those involving interplanetary travel, as it offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient means of deceleration without the need for additional propellant or intricate landing systems. The technique has been successfully utilized in various missions, including those to Mars, Venus, and Saturn's moon Titan, significantly contributing to our understanding of these celestial bodies.
Etymology of AEROBRAKE
The word "aerobrake" is derived from the combination of two terms: "aero-" and "brake".
1. "Aero-" is a prefix that comes from the Greek word "aēr" meaning "air". It is commonly used in English words related to air or aviation, such as "aerodynamics", "aeronautics", and "aeroplane".
2. "Brake" originated from the Middle English word "braken", which means to "break or slow down". The word's roots can be traced back to the Old English word "brecan", meaning to shatter or crush.
When combining these two elements, "aerobrake" refers to a mechanism or process used to slow down or decelerate a spacecraft or flying vehicle by utilizing the resistance of the atmosphere or air.
Conjugate verb Aerobrake
CONDITIONAL
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CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
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would be aerobraking
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would be aerobraking
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would be aerobraking
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would be aerobraking
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
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would have aerobrake
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would have aerobrake
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would have aerobrake
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CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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would have been aerobraking
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would have been aerobraking
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would have been aerobraking
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would have been aerobraking
FUTURE
I
will aerobrake
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will aerobrake
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will aerobrake
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will aerobrake
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
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will be aerobraking
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will be aerobraking
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FUTURE PERFECT
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will have aerobraked
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FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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IMPERATIVE
you
aerobrake
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let´s aerobrake
to aerobrake
PAST
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aerobraked
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aerobraked
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PAST CONTINUOUS
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was aerobraking
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PAST PARTICIPLE
aerobraked
PAST PERFECT
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had aerobraked
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PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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had been aerobraking
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had been aerobraking
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PRESENT
I
aerobrake
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aerobrake
he/she/it
aerobrakes
we
aerobrake
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aerobrake
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am aerobraking
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are aerobraking
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are aerobraking
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PRESENT PARTICIPLE
aerobraking
PRESENT PERFECT
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have aerobraked
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have aerobraked
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PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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have been aerobraking
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have been aerobraking
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has been aerobraking
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