Orbital Plane
In space and astronautical engineering, the orbital plane refers to the flat plane in which a satellite or spacecraft orbits around a celestial body. The plane is determined by the initial velocity and direction of the object at the time of launch. The orbital plane is important for communication and navigation purposes, as it determines the coverage area of a satellite and the path that a spacecraft must follow to reach its destination. The inclination of the orbital plane is the angle between the plane and the equator of the celestial body being orbited. The altitude of the orbit is the distance between the object and the surface of the celestial body. The orbital plane can be adjusted by changing the velocity and direction of the object, which requires the use of propulsion systems.
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