Glossary

The branch of technology and industry concerned with both aviation and space flight.

The point in the orbit of an object around Earth that is farthest from the Earth.

A NASA-led initiative aiming to return humans to the Moon and eventually prepare for human exploration of Mars. The Artemis Accords establish guidelines for international collaboration on this mission.

The study of life’s potential in the universe, focusing on the possibility of life on other planets and moons, and the conditions that might support it.

A branch of astronomy that studies the physical properties and behaviors of celestial objects and phenomena, including stars, planets, black holes, and galaxies.

The process of a spacecraft returning to Earth's atmosphere from space.

A natural object in space, such as a planet, moon, asteroid, or star.

Space missions funded by private companies rather than government agencies.

A type of miniaturized satellite, often measuring 10x10x10 cm, used for scientific research, technology testing, and Earth observation. CubeSats are cost-effective and popular among universities and research institutions.

The communication link used to transmit data from a satellite back to Earth.

An intergovernmental organization dedicated to space exploration, scientific missions, and technology development, representing 22 member countries across Europe.

A planet that orbits a star outside our solar system.

An orbit approximately 35,786 km above Earth’s equator where satellites move in sync with Earth’s rotation. Satellites in GEO are ideal for telecommunications and weather monitoring.

Data that is associated with specific locations on Earth, often collected by satellites.

A technique where a spacecraft gains speed by passing close to a planet or other large body.

The bubble-like region of space dominated by the solar wind emitted by the Sun.

Speeds greater than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), relevant for spacecraft reentry.

The region of space located between planets within a solar system.

A type of engine that generates thrust by accelerating ions, commonly used in long-duration space missions.

The use of materials found on other planets or moons to support space missions.

A region of the Solar System beyond Neptune filled with small icy bodies and dwarf planets.

A specific time period when a spacecraft must be launched to reach its intended destination.

The region of space up to about 2,000 km above Earth’s surface. Satellites in LEO have faster orbits and are commonly used for Earth observation, remote sensing, and some communication services.

A planned space station orbiting the Moon, developed by NASA, ESA, and other partners as part of the Artemis program. It will serve as a base for lunar exploration and a possible waystation for missions to Mars.

Large networks of satellites in LEO intended to provide global coverage for internet connectivity, remote sensing, and communication.

A type of small satellite, typically weighing between 10 and 100 kilograms.

A condition in space where gravity is much weaker than on Earth, allowing objects to appear weightless. It is used in scientific experiments to study the behavior of materials, biological processes, and other phenomena.

The facility where engineers and scientists monitor and manage a spacecraft's mission.

An asteroid or comet whose orbit brings it close to Earth, often monitored for potential impact risks.

A term referring to the modern commercial space industry, characterized by private companies engaging in activities like satellite launches, space tourism, and resource extraction.

Any defunct human-made object in space, such as old satellites, rocket parts, and fragments from collisions. Space debris poses a collision risk to active satellites and spacecraft.

A 1967 United Nations agreement that forms the basis of international space law, prohibiting the weaponization of space and establishing principles for peaceful exploration, non-appropriation, and cooperation in space.

The cargo carried by a spacecraft or launch vehicle, which can include satellites, scientific instruments, equipment, or crew members.

Policies and procedures designed to prevent biological contamination of other planets and moons by Earth organisms, as well as the potential contamination of Earth by extraterrestrial materials brought back from space.

The use of satellite or aerial sensor technologies to collect data about Earth’s surface.

Sections of a launch vehicle that are jettisoned at different phases of flight. Each stage has its own propulsion and helps achieve the velocity required to place a payload into orbit.

The concept of establishing permanent human settlements beyond Earth.

The body of law governing space activities, including the use of space by governments, private entities, and individuals.

The extraction of natural resources from celestial bodies like the Moon or asteroids.

Government or organizational strategies and regulations guiding space exploration, development, and security.

A historical competition between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War era, aimed at achieving firsts in space exploration.

The commercial service of sending private citizens on spaceflights for leisure or research purposes.

Environmental conditions in space influenced by the sun's activity, such as solar flares and cosmic rays.

A vehicle or device designed for travel or operation in space. Spacecraft include satellites, space probes, manned vehicles, and space stations.

A flight path that reaches space but does not complete an orbit around Earth.

A maneuver used to set a spacecraft on a trajectory from Earth to the Moon.

The UN office responsible for promoting international cooperation in space exploration.

Zones of high-energy particles trapped by Earth’s magnetic field, surrounding the planet.

A space tourism company founded by Richard Branson that offers suborbital flights for private citizens.

A condition where no gravitational forces are felt, effectively creating a weightless environment.