
Polar Coordinate System
In space and astronautical engineering, the polar coordinate system is a two-dimensional coordinate system in which each point on a plane is determined by a distance from a fixed point and an angle from a fixed direction. The fixed point is called the pole, and the fixed direction is called the polar axis. The polar coordinate system is often used in space missions to describe the position and orientation of spacecraft, as well as the direction and magnitude of velocity and acceleration vectors. It is particularly useful for describing orbits, which are often elliptical and have a focus at the center of mass of the system. The polar coordinate system is also used in celestial navigation to determine the position of stars and planets relative to the observer's position on Earth.
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- 3D Graphics: 3D graphics is the creation of three-dimensional objects, scenes, and animations using specialized software and hardware. It involves the use of mathematical algorithms to create realistic representations of objects and environments in virt ... Read More >>
- ISO 14644-1: ISO 14644-1 is a standard that specifies the classification of air cleanliness in cleanrooms and associated controlled environments. It provides a classification system based on the concentration of airborne particles in the cleanroom. The ... Read More >>
- Flight Safety: In the context of aerospace engineering, Flight Safety refers to the measures, protocols, and standards implemented to ensure the safe operation of aircraft in all phases of flight, including takeoff, cruising, and landing. It encompasses a ... 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