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Definition

Eclipse

The period during an orbit when the spacecraft is in the shadow of the central body and cannot generate solar power. Eclipse duration drives battery sizing and thermal design.

Related terms

Delta-VΔV

The change in velocity required for an orbital maneuver. A fundamental measure of the propulsive effort needed to transf...

Downlink

Data transmission from a spacecraft to a ground station. Downlink budget analysis determines if the signal is strong eno...

End of LifeEOL

The planned end of a spacecraft's operational mission. EOL power and thermal analysis accounts for degradation of solar ...

Geostationary OrbitGEO

A circular orbit at approximately 35,786 km altitude with zero inclination and an orbital period matching Earth's rotati...

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