Difference between revisions of "Aerobraking"
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| − | '''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 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 propellants (to slow the craft down), thereby optimizing cost effectiveness. | + | '''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 [[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. | This technique was used to great effect on missions such as the [[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. | ||
[[category:Spaceflight science]] | [[category:Spaceflight science]] | ||
Revision as of 17:06, 23 October 2008
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 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 propellants (to slow the craft down), thereby optimizing cost effectiveness.
This technique was used to great effect on missions such as the 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.
