Suborbital Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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suborbital
[sสbหษหrbษชtษl ]
Definition
space travel
Suborbital refers to a trajectory or flight that does not achieve the necessary speed to enter a stable orbit around a celestial body, such as Earth. Instead, a suborbital flight reaches the edge of space and then falls back to the surface. This type of flight is commonly used for research, testing new technologies, and providing experiences to paying passengers. Many space tourism companies have focused on suborbital flights, aiming to take tourists briefly into space without the requirement of orbital velocity.
Synonyms
suborbital flight, suborbital trajectory.
Examples of usage
- The suborbital mission was a success.
- He signed up for a suborbital spaceflight.
- Suborbital flights provide valuable data for scientists.
- The rocket completed its suborbital trajectory.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Suborbital flights reach altitudes between 60 km and 100 km, known as the Kรกrmรกn 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.
Origin of 'suborbital'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'suborbital' is derived from the prefix 'sub-', meaning 'under' or 'below', and 'orbital', which relates to an orbit around a celestial body. The concept began to take shape in the mid-20th century, during the early years of space exploration. It was essential for differentiating between various types of space travel. As the technology advanced, especially in rocketry and space science, the specifications of suborbital flights became more defined. The development of commercial spaceflights in the 21st century further popularized the term, as companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic began offering suborbital trips to the public.