Momentum
In space and astronautical engineering, momentum is the product of the mass and velocity of an object. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. In the absence of external forces, the total momentum of a system remains constant, according to the law of conservation of momentum. This principle is crucial in spacecraft propulsion, where the momentum of the propellant is transferred to the spacecraft to achieve acceleration. Momentum is also important in orbital mechanics, where it determines the trajectory of a spacecraft around a celestial body.
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