aerobrake
Drag-based orbital deceleration
Aerobrake is a maneuver in which a spacecraft uses atmospheric drag to slow down, reducing speed without expending fuel.
The craft skims through a planet's upper atmosphere, letting friction do the work of braking: The probe will aerobrake into Mars orbit over several months.
As a noun, an aerobrake is a surface or device designed to increase drag during such maneuvers.
Take into custody
- circularizationMass mailing process
- ellipticalOval-shaped or indirect
- gravityMutual mass attraction
- inclinationDisposition toward something
Red planet, war deity
- VenusLove goddess, or planet
- TitanMythic giant or moon
- JupiterLargest solar system planet
- SaturnRinged gas giant
atmosphere · interplanetary · mission · entry · descent · landing · capsule · probe
Resistance through fluid
- slowdownReduction in pace
- decelerateReduce velocity
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- retardationSlowing or delay
Pertaining to warmth
- ablationRemoval by cutting, melting
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- dissipationGradual loss or scattering
- plasmaElectrified matter state
convective · radiative · cooling · insulation
Path of moving object
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- navigationDetermining position and course
- controlAuthority to direct
- flightpathAircraft's designated travel corridor
execution · precision · adjustment · approach · alignment · stabilization · attitude · pitch
Protective layer against friction
- simulationImitation of real processes
- materialsRaw stuff for creation
- structuresOrganized physical constructions
- computationalRelating to digital calculation
capture
Take into custody
- circularizationMass mailing process
- ellipticalOval-shaped or indirect
- gravityMutual mass attraction
Mars
Red planet, war deity
Saturn · atmosphere · interplanetary · mission · entry · descent · landing · capsule · probe · lander
drag
Resistance through fluid
- slowdownReduction in pace
- decelerateReduce velocity
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
retardation · dampen · decrease · halt · control · constrain · impede
thermal
Pertaining to warmth
- ablationRemoval by cutting, melting
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
- dissipationGradual loss or scattering
plasma · convective · radiative · cooling · insulation
trajectory
Path of moving object
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- navigationDetermining position and course
- controlAuthority to direct
flightpath · execution · precision · adjustment · approach · alignment · stabilization · attitude · pitch · modulation
heatshield
Protective layer against friction
- simulationImitation of real processes
- materialsRaw stuff for creation
- structuresOrganized physical constructions
aerobrakeaccelerate
Increase in velocity
boost · thrust · propel · gravity assist · burn