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Definition

Bus

The structural and functional core of a spacecraft that houses and supports the payload and all subsystems. Includes power, thermal, communications, propulsion, and attitude control.

Related terms

Attitude Control SystemACS

The subsystem responsible for maintaining and changing the orientation of a spacecraft. Includes sensors (star trackers,...

Apogee

The point in an orbit farthest from the central body. For Earth orbits, the highest altitude above Earth's surface....

Budget (Mass/Power/Link)

An accounting of resource allocation across spacecraft subsystems with margins. Mass budgets track weight, power budgets...

Concept of OperationsConOps

A document describing how a system will be used from the user's perspective. Covers operational scenarios, mission timel...

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