Periapsis


Periapsis is the point in the orbit of a celestial body where it is closest to the focus of its orbit. In other words, it is the point in the orbit of a satellite or a planet where it is closest to the body it is orbiting. Periapsis is an important concept in space and astronautical engineering as it determines the velocity required for a spacecraft to enter or exit an orbit. The velocity required to enter or exit an orbit is highest at periapsis. Therefore, spacecraft are often designed to perform maneuvers at periapsis to take advantage of the gravitational forces of the celestial body they are orbiting. Additionally, the altitude of the periapsis can affect the duration of the orbit and the amount of time a spacecraft spends in communication with Earth.


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