Transatmospheric orbit
In today's article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Transatmospheric orbit. From its origins to its relevance today, we will explore every aspect of this topic with the goal of providing a complete and exhaustive analysis. We will discover its multiple facets, its implications in different areas and its possible future projections. Through a holistic vision, we will approach Transatmospheric orbit from various perspectives in order to provide the reader with a deeper and richer understanding. It doesn't matter if you are an expert in the subject or just have a casual interest; In this article you will find valuable information that will invite you to reflect and delve deeper into the exciting world of Transatmospheric orbit.
A transatmospheric orbit (TAO) is an orbit around a celestial body in which a portion of the orbit intersects with the defined atmosphere.[1][2][3] Transatmospheric Earth orbits generally use the FAI defined Kármán line of 100 km (62 mi) altitude to differentiate between transatmospheric Earth orbits or low Earth orbits but altitudes such as the U.S. defined 50 mi (80 km) line may be used. Such orbits are subject to significant atmospheric drag, causing rapid orbital decay if left unchecked.
A number of artificial satellites have been placed into transatmospheric Earth orbits,[4] usually due to a launch vehicle malfunction. Such satellites include EOS 02 and AzaadiSAT, which were deployed into a 76 km × 356 km (47 mi × 221 mi) transatmospheric orbit due to an upper-stage malfunction on the SSLV rocket. Transatmospheric orbits have limited practical applications because objects placed into such orbits are subject to rapid orbital decay. One such application was used to test the reentry of the IXV spaceplane. It was launched into a 76 km × 416 km (47 mi × 258 mi) transatmospheric orbit.[5]
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft was placed in a transatmospheric orbit by the Atlas V launcher. It used its onboard propulsion to reach the International Space Station in LEO.
Astrobotic Technology's Peregrine lunar lander was moved to a transatmospheric orbit following a fuel leak to avoid becoming hazardous space debris.[6]
See also
- Abort Once Around, a Space Shuttle abort mode requiring an incomplete orbit with a path somewhat resembling TAO
References
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan (24 May 1998). "Jonathan's Space Report".
Transatmospheric orbit (TAO): orbital flight with perigee less than 80 km but more than zero. Potentially used by aerobraking missions and transatmospheric vehicles, also in some temporary phases of orbital flight (e.g. STS pre OMS-2, some failures when no apogee restart)
- ^ "ADB143755" (PDF). 5 August 1997.
- ^ Graham, William (10 February 2015). "Vega rocket launches IXV spaceplane – Mission Complete".
- ^ McDowell, Jonathan (26 December 2022). "Definitions Uncataloged ('U') Launches". Retrieved 4 January 2023.
- ^ "VV04-launchkit-GB" (PDF). February 2015. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
- ^ Astrobotic Technology (2024-01-14). "Update #17 for Peregrine Mission One". Astrobotic. Retrieved 2024-01-15.
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