Semi-major Axis
In orbital mechanics, the semi-major axis is one half of the major axis of an ellipse, which is the longest diameter across the shape. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, the semi-major axis is a fundamental parameter used to describe the size and shape of an orbit. It is commonly used to calculate the period, velocity, and energy of an orbiting object. The semi-major axis is measured in meters and is defined as the average distance between the center of mass of two objects in space, such as a planet and a satellite, or a satellite and the center of the Earth. It is a critical parameter for designing and planning space missions, including satellite launches, interplanetary missions, and space exploration.
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