Drag Force


Drag force is a force that opposes the motion of an object through a fluid, such as air or water. In space and astronautical engineering, drag force is an important consideration in the design and operation of spacecraft and satellites. As an object moves through a fluid, it experiences a drag force that is proportional to the object's velocity and the density of the fluid. This force can cause the object to slow down or change direction, which can be detrimental to the mission of a spacecraft. Engineers must take into account the effects of drag force when designing spacecraft, including the shape and size of the vehicle, as well as the materials used to construct it. Additionally, drag force can be used to the advantage of spacecraft, such as in the case of aerobraking, where a spacecraft uses the drag force of a planet's atmosphere to slow down and enter orbit.


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