Plane Change
In space and astronautical engineering, Plane Change refers to the maneuver of changing the orbital plane of a spacecraft. This maneuver is necessary when a spacecraft needs to change its trajectory to reach a different destination or to match the inclination of another spacecraft or celestial body. Plane change requires a significant amount of energy and is usually performed by firing the spacecraft's thrusters at the correct time and direction. The amount of energy required for a plane change maneuver depends on the difference between the initial and final orbital planes, as well as the velocity of the spacecraft. In some cases, gravity assists from other celestial bodies can be used to reduce the amount of energy required for a plane change maneuver.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Spacecraft Shielding: Spacecraft Shielding refers to the protective materials and techniques used to shield spacecraft and their occupants from the harmful effects of space radiation and debris. Spacecraft shielding is essential to ensure the safety and longevit ... Read More >>
- Atomic Radius: Atomic radius is the distance from the center of an atom's nucleus to its outermost electron. In space and astronautical engineering, atomic radius is an important concept in understanding the behavior of atoms and molecules in various envi ... Read More >>
- Cyclotron Resonance: Cyclotron resonance is a phenomenon that occurs when a charged particle moves in a magnetic field at a frequency that matches its natural frequency of gyration. This results in the particle gaining energy from the magnetic field and moving ... 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