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satellite
(redirected from orbiter)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.09 sec.

satellite

Natural object (moon) or spacecraft (artificial satellite) orbiting a larger astronomical body. Most known natural satellites orbit planets; the Earth's Moon is the most obvious example and was the only one known until the discovery of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter in 1610. All the solar system's planets except Mercury and Venus have moons, which vary greatly in size, composition (from rock to mostly ice), and activity (from cold and inert to volcanic). Some asteroids are also known to have their own moons. The first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched into orbit around Earth in 1957. Since then, thousands have been sent into orbit around Earth as well as the Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and other bodies. Artificial satellites are used for scientific research and other purposes, such as communication (see communications satellite), weather forecasting, Earth resources management, and military intelligence. See also Landsat.


See communications satellite.


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During its 2-year study, set to begin in November, Orbiter is expected to return more data about Mars than all previous Mars missions combined.
NASA prefers to land the shuttles in Florida because it saves about $1 million in costs for ferrying an orbiter cross-country, but one out of every five missions ends at Edwards.
As the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter approaches the Red Planet next month, two area businesses will have more than just a passing interest.
 
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