Ballistic Trajectory


Ballistic trajectory is the path followed by an object that is thrown, launched, or otherwise projected near the Earth's surface and is acted upon by gravity. In space and astronautical engineering, ballistic trajectory is used to describe the path of a spacecraft or missile that is subject only to the force of gravity and the initial thrust or velocity imparted to it. The trajectory is determined by the initial velocity, the angle at which the object is launched, and the gravitational force of the celestial body it is orbiting. Ballistic trajectories are used in space missions to achieve specific objectives such as reaching a target planet or moon, entering orbit around a celestial body, or returning to Earth. The trajectory is carefully calculated to ensure that the spacecraft or missile reaches its intended destination with the required velocity and orientation.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • Bubbles: In space and astronautical engineering, bubbles refer to the gas pockets that can form in liquids in microgravity environments. Bubbles can have significant impacts on fluid behavior and can affect the performance of fluid systems such as c ... Read More >>
  • Shock: In space and astronautical engineering, shock refers to a sudden and violent disturbance of the surrounding medium, such as air or gas, caused by a high-speed object passing through it. Shock waves can cause damage to spacecraft and launch ... Read More >>
  • Cash Flow Statement: In space and astronautical engineering context, a cash flow statement is a financial statement that shows the inflows and outflows of cash and cash equivalents during a specific period of time. It provides information about the sources of c ... 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