Beta angle is a term used to describe the angle between a spacecraft's velocity vector and the direction to the Sun. The phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈbeɪtə/ /ˈæŋɡəl/. The first part of the word, "beta," is pronounced with a long "a" sound, represented by /eɪ/. The second part, "angle," is pronounced with a short "a" sound, represented by /æ/. When combined, the two syllables create the word "beta angle," used to describe an important element in space exploration and spacecraft maneuvering.
Beta angle is a term used in the field of aerospace engineering and astrodynamics, specifically in relation to satellite orbits and interplanetary missions. The beta angle is an important parameter that describes the angle between the orbit plane of a satellite or spacecraft and the plane of the Earth's equator.
More specifically, the beta angle is measured between the orbital plane and the projection of the Earth's equatorial plane onto the orbit plane. It provides information about the inclination of the orbit and the position of the satellite or spacecraft relative to the Sun-Earth line.
The beta angle is typically expressed in degrees and can range from 0° to 180°. At a value of 0°, the orbit plane aligns perfectly with the Earth's equator, while a beta angle of 180° indicates a polar orbit where the orbit plane is perpendicular to the equator.
The beta angle is crucial for satellite communication and mission planning because it affects various factors such as solar radiation, thermal conditions, power generation, and overall mission operations. Different beta angles can result in varying levels of sunlight exposure or shadows on the spacecraft, which can impact its performance and functionality.
In spacecraft missions to other planets or celestial bodies, the beta angle is also significant as it determines the spacecraft's relative position with respect to the Sun, allowing scientists and engineers to optimize the trajectory and orientation for collecting data and conducting scientific experiments.
The angle formed by a line connecting the bregma and hormion meeting the radius fixus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "beta angle" has its roots in the field of celestial mechanics and space exploration. The word "beta" comes from the Greek letter βeta, which is used to represent the second letter of the Greek alphabet. In this context, "beta" signifies a secondary or second variable.
The word "angle" originates from the Latin word "angulus", which means "corner" or "angle". It refers to the geometric concept of the angular separation between two lines or surfaces meeting at a point.
When combined together, "beta angle" represents the second variable or angle that is used to describe the position of a spacecraft relative to the Sun or Earth. The beta angle is often used to express the orientation of a satellite or spacecraft with respect to the direction of sunlight or the Earth's horizon.