View source for Aerobraking

Aerobraking is a technique used by mission scientists to reduce the height of spacecraft orbits by allowing atmospheric drag to slow the spacecraft's velocity. Often the [[solar panel|solar panels]] onboard orbiters can be used to maximize and control the amount of drag applied to the craft. This technique will ultimately minimize the requirement for the use of [[propellant|propellants]] (to slow the craft down), thereby optimizing cost effectiveness. 

This technique was used to great effect on missions such as the [[ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter]] in 2017, [[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]] in 2006 and [[Mars Odyssey]] in 2001, and is standard practice when spacecraft are being inserted into orbit or when a reduction in velocity is required. 

=== Aerocapture ===
Aerocapture is a subcategory of aerobraking.  Atmospheric drag is used to reduce velocity to a point the vehicle can enter a stable orbit with a minimum or no propellant burn.  Aerocapture can be the prelude to descent and entry into the atmosphere.
[[category:Spaceflight science]]