Suborbital: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The prefix 'sub-' means 'under' or 'below,' while 'orbital' comes from 'orbit,' which means a path around an object in space.
• The term gained popularity in the 20th century with advancements in space exploration and technologies.
• Initially used in scientific and aerospace contexts to describe specific types of flight trajectories.

Science

• Suborbital flights reach altitudes between 60 km and 100 km, known as the Kármán line, which marks the edge of outer space.
• These missions can enable experiments in microgravity without the need for a full orbital launch.
• They are often shorter and less expensive than orbital missions, making them popular for space tourism.

Technology

• SpaceX and Blue Origin are among the companies leading the charge in suborbital flight with their reusable rocket technologies.
• Suborbital vehicles are designed to return safely to Earth after brief journeys into space, showcasing advancements in aerospace engineering.
• Many suborbital spaceflights utilize solid or liquid rocket motors for propulsion, highlighting technology's evolution.

Pop Culture

• Suborbital space tourism has been a hot topic in movies and documentaries, depicting the future of human space travel.
• In 2021, several high-profile figures including Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson made headlines for their successful suborbital flights.
• The concept of suborbital trips has inspired various fictional works, highlighting humanity's desire to explore beyond our planet.

Education

• Suborbital missions provide valuable data for scientific research in fields like atmospheric science and biology.
• Educational programs often facilitate small experiments to be conducted during suborbital flights, inspiring the next generation of scientists.
• Universities have begun partnering with companies to send student payloads on suborbital flights, promoting hands-on learning in aerospace.