Perturbations
In space and astronautical engineering, perturbations refer to small deviations or disturbances in the motion of a spacecraft or celestial body from its predicted trajectory caused by various factors such as gravitational forces of other celestial bodies, atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, and non-spherical shape of celestial bodies. Perturbations can be classified into two types: deterministic and stochastic. Deterministic perturbations are caused by known and predictable forces, while stochastic perturbations are caused by random and unpredictable forces. Perturbation analysis is an important tool used in space mission design and navigation to accurately predict the trajectory of a spacecraft and to make necessary course corrections to ensure mission success.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Velocity: In the context of aerospace engineering, velocity refers to the speed of an object in a given direction. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude (speed) and direction. In aerospace, velocity is a critical factor in determinin ... Read More >>
- Ammonia: Ammonia is a colorless gas with a pungent odor that is commonly used as a propellant and coolant in space and astronautical engineering. It is also used as a cleaning agent for spacecraft surfaces and instruments. Ammonia is highly soluble ... Read More >>
- Sound-absorbing Materials: Sound-absorbing materials are materials that are designed to reduce the amount of sound that is reflected off their surface. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, sound-absorbing materials are used to reduce the noise gener ... 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