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Definition

Orbit Determination

OD

The process of estimating a spacecraft's orbit from tracking observations. Uses ground-based radar, GPS, or optical measurements to compute position and velocity.

Related terms

Mission Assurance

Systematic activities ensuring a mission meets its requirements with acceptable risk. Covers reliability engineering, qu...

Mission Lifetime

The planned operational duration of a space mission. Drives design choices for component reliability, radiation hardenin...

Payload

The instrument or system that performs the mission's primary function. For Earth observation: cameras or sensors. For co...

Perigee

The point in an orbit closest to the central body. For Earth orbits, the lowest altitude above Earth's surface....

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