SUBORBITALS Meaning and
Definition
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Suborbitals refer to the region or path in which an object or spacecraft moves within the Earth's atmosphere without attaining a complete orbit. It is a term commonly used in the field of space exploration, particularly when discussing rocket launches and spaceflights.
A suborbital trajectory occurs when an object, such as a rocket or a spacecraft, is launched into space but does not have enough velocity or energy to achieve a full orbit around the Earth or any celestial body. Instead, the trajectory forms an arc that takes the object beyond the boundaries of the Earth's atmosphere before returning to Earth in a relatively short period of time.
Suborbitals are typically used for short-duration scientific experiments, technology testing, or to accomplish specific objectives in space. The main advantage of suborbital flights is that they require less energy compared to achieving a stable orbit, allowing for a more cost-effective way to reach space.
Furthermore, suborbital flights have the potential to provide valuable insight into the effects of microgravity, space travel, and re-entry on humans and various experiments. They also contribute to the development of technologies and systems that may be used in future space missions or even space tourism.
In summary, suborbitals refer to the trajectory or path taken by an object or spacecraft that does not achieve a complete orbit but briefly enters space before returning to Earth relatively quickly.
Etymology of SUBORBITALS
The word "suborbitals" is derived from the combination of two terms: "sub" and "orbitals".
The prefix "sub-" is a Latin prefix meaning "under" or "below". It is often used to indicate something that is of a lesser degree or a lower rank.
The term "orbitals" is rooted in the word "orbit", which has its origins in the Latin word "orbita", meaning "track" or "course". In the context of astronomy and physics, "orbit" refers to the curved path followed by an object, such as a planet or satellite, around a celestial body under the influence of gravity.
Therefore, "suborbitals" refers to something that is below or of lesser degree than an orbital. In the context of space travel or rocket science, it often refers to short-duration or low-altitude flights or trajectories that do not achieve a complete orbit around a celestial body.
