Altimeter
An altimeter is an instrument used to measure the altitude of an object above a fixed level. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, an altimeter is used to measure the altitude of a spacecraft or a planetary body. The altimeter works by measuring the atmospheric pressure or the time it takes for a signal to bounce back from the surface of the object being measured. In space, altimeters are used to determine the altitude of a spacecraft relative to a planetary body or to measure the altitude of a planetary body itself. Altimeters are important for navigation and landing of spacecraft, as well as for scientific studies of planetary surfaces.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Ion Thruster: An ion thruster is a type of spacecraft propulsion that uses beams of ions (charged particles) to create thrust. The ions are generated by ionizing a neutral gas (usually xenon) and accelerating the resulting ions using an electric field. T ... Read More >>
- Additive Manufacturing: Additive Manufacturing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding layers of material one by one. In space and astronautical engineering, additive manufacturing is used to create parts and tools for spacecraft and space sta ... Read More >>
- Launch Windows: In space and astronautical engineering, a launch window is a period of time during which a spacecraft must be launched in order to reach its intended destination. The launch window is determined by a number of factors, including the positio ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06