Orbiter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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orbiter

[ˈɔːrbɪtər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

space exploration

A spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body, such as a planet or a moon, for scientific research or communication purposes.

Synonyms

probe, satellite, spacecraft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
orbiter	Use this term for a spacecraft designed to travel around a planet or moon without landing. It's mostly used in scientific and space exploration contexts. The Mars Orbiter has been sending valuable data about the planet's atmosphere. The orbiter will spend six months surveying the surface of the moon.
satellite	Use this word for an artificial object intentionally placed into orbit around a planet, often for purposes like communication, weather monitoring, or scientific research. A communication satellite was launched to improve global internet coverage. The weather satellite helps meteorologists predict storms and other climate events.
spacecraft	This is a general term that encompasses any vehicle designed for travel or operation in outer space, whether manned or unmanned. The new spacecraft is equipped with advanced life support systems for long missions. Several spacecraft are currently being developed for missions to Mars.
probe	This term is used for an unmanned spacecraft designed to explore outer space and gather scientific data from distant planets, moons, or other celestial bodies. The space agency launched a probe to study the outer rings of Saturn. A new probe is being developed to explore the icy surface of Europa.

Examples of usage

The orbiter will collect data on the Martian atmosphere.
The orbiter successfully entered orbit around Jupiter.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

aviation

A pilot or crew member who remains in the aircraft while it is in orbit.

Synonyms

aviator, crew member, pilot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
orbiter	Used to describe a spacecraft specifically designed to orbit a planet or other celestial body, without landing on its surface. The orbiter is scheduled to begin its mission around Mars next year. Scientists received new images sent back by the Jupiter orbiter.
crew member	Used to describe any person who is part of a vehicle's operational team, including spaceships, aircrafts, boats, etc. It is a broad term that encompasses various roles. Every crew member has a specific task during the flight. The crew members trained for months before the space mission.
pilot	Refers to a person who operates and navigates the flight of an aircraft. This term is more general and can apply to individuals flying planes, helicopters, and other airborne vehicles. The pilot announced that we would be landing shortly. She has been a commercial pilot for over twenty years.
aviator	Refers to a person who is actively involved in the operation of aircraft, typically airplanes. Often associated with a professional and experienced pilot. The aviator skillfully navigated through the storm. Charles Lindbergh was a famous aviator known for his transatlantic flight.

Examples of usage

The orbiter communicated with the control tower during the flight.
The orbiter monitored the instruments throughout the journey.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

computing

A device or software that tracks and records user activity online for targeted advertising.

Synonyms

analytics software, monitoring tool, tracker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
orbiter	Use this term when referring to a spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body without landing on it. It's typically used in the context of space missions and astronomy. The Mars orbiter has provided valuable data about the planet's surface. Scientists are planning to launch an orbiter to study Jupiter's moons.
tracker	Use 'tracker' to describe a device or software that follows and records the movement or status of objects or individuals. This term can be used in a variety of contexts, including fitness, logistics, and security. I bought a fitness tracker to monitor my daily steps and activities. The company installed a GPS tracker on their delivery trucks for better route management.
monitoring tool	This term is best used when referring to software or equipment used to continuously observe and report on the status of a system, environment, or process. It's often used in IT, medical, and environmental fields. We use a monitoring tool to keep track of our server performance. The hospital implemented a new patient monitoring tool to improve care quality.
analytics software	This term is appropriate when talking about software applications that are used to analyze data and generate insights. It's commonly used in business, data science, and technology contexts. Our company relies on analytics software to make informed decisions based on sales data. The new analytics software will help us understand customer behavior better.

Examples of usage

The orbiter collects user data to personalize ads.
The orbiter analyzes browsing history to suggest products.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originates from the Latin word 'orbita', meaning 'track' or 'path', highlighting the circular route that these crafts follow.
The first successful human-made orbiter was the Soviet Union's 'Sputnik 1', launched in 1957, which orbited Earth and marked the start of the space age.
NASA's Mariner 4 was the first successful mission to send back images of another planet, Mars, as it orbited in 1965.

Technology

Orbiters play a crucial role in collecting data about planetary atmospheres, surfaces, and geology, leading to discoveries about our solar system.
Modern orbiters are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, allowing them to capture high-resolution images and detailed atmospheric readings.
They are essential for mapping the surface of celestial bodies, which helps scientists understand their history and potential for life.

Space Exploration

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2006, has provided critical data that has revealed evidence of water on Mars.
Jupiter's Juno orbiter is studying the planet's atmosphere and magnetic field, significantly expanding our knowledge about gas giants.
The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has been vital for mapping the Moon’s surface and choosing landing sites for future missions.

Pop Culture

The term 'orbiter' gained popularity in science fiction, often relating to space missions in various movies and books.
In the video game series 'Kerbal Space Program', players must design and launch their own orbiters to complete missions, showcasing the excitement of spacecraft design.
'Gravity' and 'The Martian' are films that feature orbiters as essential elements in their storytelling, emphasizing the challenges of space missions.

Astronomy

Orbital mechanics, the study of how spacecraft travel in orbits, involves complex calculations that combine physics and mathematics.
The stability of an orbit depends on the balance between gravitational pull and the inertia of the spacecraft, illustrating fundamental principles of physics.
Different types of orbits (like geostationary or polar) serve various purposes, from telecommunications to Earth observation.

Origin of 'orbiter'

The word 'orbiter' originated from the Latin word 'orbita', meaning 'wheel track'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-20th century in the context of space exploration, referring to spacecraft orbiting celestial bodies. Over time, the term has been adopted in aviation and computing to denote different concepts related to staying in orbit or tracking user activity. The evolution of 'orbiter' reflects humanity's advancements in technology and exploration.

See also: exorbitant, orbit, orbital, orbitally.