Parasitic Element


In space and astronautical engineering, a parasitic element refers to an element added to a spacecraft or satellite that is not part of the primary mission but is used to enhance the performance of the primary mission. These elements can include antennas, sensors, or other instruments that are added to the spacecraft to improve its functionality. The term 'parasitic' is used because these elements do not contribute directly to the primary mission and are often added as an afterthought. However, they can be critical to the success of the mission and can significantly improve the performance of the spacecraft or satellite.


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