The phrase
"science orbit" refers to the path of a satellite or spacecraft that is designed to study and gather information about the Earth, other planets, or outer space. It's like a special pathway followed by scientific tools and instruments that help scientists explore and learn more about the universe.
Full definition
After a propulsive maneuver into a 25 - hour capture orbit, aerocapture was used over the course of 76 days to achieve the two -
hour science orbit.
«It's not ESA's first experience with aerobraking, but it is the first time we've used this technique to achieve a
planned science orbit, repeating it for such a long duration,» said Michel Denis, ESA's ExoMars flight director.
Then, it will spiral down to an altitude of about 2,750 miles (4,430 kilometers), and obtain more science data in its
survey science orbit.
The spacecraft is headed to
its science orbit and prepping to discover thousands of alien worlds
The spacecraft entered
its science orbit around the moon's equator on Nov. 20, and in March 2014, LADEE extended its mission operations following a highly successful 100 - day primary science phase.
Once in
its science orbit, TESS will begin a two - year mission to look for exoplanets transiting across the disc of their respective parent stars.