Ellipse


In space and astronautical engineering, an ellipse is a closed curve that is symmetrical about its major axis. It is a conic section, formed by the intersection of a plane and a cone. In space, the orbit of a planet or a satellite around another celestial body is an ellipse, with the body being located at one of the foci of the ellipse. The shape of the ellipse is determined by the eccentricity of the orbit, which is a measure of how much the orbit deviates from a perfect circle. The study of ellipses is important in space engineering, as it is necessary to calculate the trajectory of a spacecraft in order to ensure that it reaches its intended destination.


Your Previous Searches
Random Picks

  • Runway Visual Range: In the context of aerospace engineering, Runway Visual Range (RVR) is a crucial term that refers to the distance over which a pilot of an aircraft on the centerline of the runway can see the runway surface markings or the lights delineating ... Read More >>
  • Space Debris Disposal: Space debris disposal refers to the process of removing man-made objects in orbit around the Earth that no longer serve a useful purpose. These objects can include defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and other debris that can pose a th ... Read More >>
  • Space Agriculture: Space Agriculture is the practice of growing plants and crops in space or on other celestial bodies. It involves the use of advanced technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and bioreactors to provide plants with the necessary nutrient ... 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