Conclusion
Aerobrake is a term that is commonly used in the field of aerospace engineering. It refers to a technique that is used to slow down a spacecraft or satellite as it enters the atmosphere of a planet or moon. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of aerobrake, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
Aerobrake is defined as a technique used to slow down a spacecraft or satellite by using the drag of the atmosphere. It involves the use of a spacecraft’s heat shield or other aerodynamic surfaces to create drag and slow down the spacecraft as it enters the atmosphere of a planet or moon.
Origin
The term aerobrake is a combination of two words – aero, which means relating to the air or atmosphere, and brake, which means to slow down or stop. The technique of aerobraking has been used by spacecraft since the 1960s, but the term aerobrake was first used in the 1980s.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, aerobrake is defined as “a technique used to slow down a spacecraft or satellite by using the drag of the atmosphere”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “the use of atmospheric drag to slow or adjust the course of a spacecraft”.
Associations
Aerobraking is often associated with planetary exploration missions, such as those to Mars, Venus, and Mercury. It is also used in satellite missions, such as those to study Earth’s atmosphere or to provide communication services.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of aerobrake include atmospheric braking, aerodynamic braking, and aerocapture.
Antonyms
There are no specific antonyms for aerobrake, but the opposite of aerobraking would be using a propulsion system to slow down a spacecraft or satellite.
The same root words
The root words of aerobrake are aero and brake. Some other words that use the same root words include aerodynamics, aeroplane, aerobics, and brake pad.
Example Sentences
- The spacecraft used aerobraking to slow down and enter orbit around Mars.
- The heat shield was designed to withstand the high temperatures generated during aerobraking.
- The satellite used atmospheric drag to adjust its course and maintain its orbit.
In conclusion, aerobraking is a technique that is commonly used in the field of aerospace engineering to slow down a spacecraft or satellite as it enters the atmosphere of a planet or moon. It is a complex process that requires careful planning and design, but it has proven to be an effective way to achieve mission objectives. With the continued advancements in technology, we can expect to see more innovative uses of aerobraking in the future.