Delta-v
In the context of aerospace engineering, Delta-v (Δv) refers to the change in velocity that a spacecraft, satellite, or any other space vehicle can achieve by using its propulsion system. It is a scalar quantity that represents the maximum potential change in speed and direction of a spacecraft, without considering the direction of the velocity itself. Delta-v is a critical concept in mission planning and spacecraft design, as it determines the capability of a spacecraft to perform certain maneuvers, such as launching from Earth, landing on another planet, or changing its orbit. The total Delta-v capacity of a spacecraft is often determined by the Tsiolkovsky rocket equation, which takes into account the mass of the spacecraft, the mass of the propellant, and the effective exhaust velocity of the propulsion system. The concept of Delta-v is also used in orbital mechanics to calculate the energy required for orbital maneuvers.
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