SUBORBITAL Meaning and
Definition
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Suborbital is an adjective that describes something pertaining to the region of space immediately surrounding or inferior to an orbit. It refers to a trajectory or flight path that partially enters space but does not complete a full orbit around a celestial body, such as the Earth.
In the context of space exploration, suborbital typically refers to the flight of a spacecraft or vehicle that reaches the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space, known as the Kármán line, which is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level. Suborbital flights are characterized by reaching this altitude but lacking sufficient velocity to achieve a stable orbit.
These flights are often utilized for scientific research, testing of newly developed space technologies, or human spaceflight experiences. Suborbital vehicles may provide opportunities for scientists and researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity environments or to observe the Earth's atmosphere and other celestial phenomena from above.
Furthermore, suborbital tourism is an emerging area of interest, where individuals can experience brief moments of weightlessness and the captivating view of the Earth from space during a suborbital flight. With the development of reusable rockets and spacecraft, the suborbital domain is becoming increasingly sought after due to its potential for various scientific endeavors and commercial ventures.
Common Misspellings for SUBORBITAL
Etymology of SUBORBITAL
The word "suborbital" is derived from the combination of the prefix "sub-" and the word "orbital".
The prefix "sub-" is of Latin origin and means "under" or "below". It is often used to indicate that something is beneath or lower than another thing. In this case, "sub-" suggests that something is happening underneath or below the orbital realm.
The word "orbital" comes from the Latin word "orbis", which means "circle" or "ring". In English, "orbital" refers to the path or trajectory that an object follows around another object under the influence of gravitational forces. For instance, planets revolve around the sun in orbital paths.
Hence, when combined, "suborbital" refers to something that occurs underneath or below the orbital path or trajectory.
Similar spelling words for SUBORBITAL
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