Spherical Coordinate System


Spherical coordinate system is a three-dimensional coordinate system that defines any point in space by its distance from a fixed point, its polar angle measured from a fixed axis, and its azimuthal angle measured from a fixed plane. In astronautical engineering, the spherical coordinate system is used to describe the position and orientation of spacecraft and celestial bodies. The distance from the fixed point is often measured in terms of radial distance or altitude, while the polar angle is measured in terms of inclination or elevation angle, and the azimuthal angle is measured in terms of right ascension or azimuth angle. The spherical coordinate system is particularly useful for describing the motion of objects in space, such as satellites and planets, and for calculating trajectories and orbital elements.


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