astrodynamic
|as-tro-dy-nam-ic|
🇺🇸
/ˌæstroʊdaɪˈnæmɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˌæstrəʊdaɪˈnæmɪk/
motion/forces of objects in space
Etymology
'astrodynamic' is formed from the combining form 'astro-' and the adjective 'dynamic'; 'astro-' originates from Greek 'astron' meaning 'star', and 'dynamic' comes from Greek 'dynamikos' (from 'dynamis') meaning 'power' or 'force'.
'astrodynamic' emerged as a modern compound from 'astro-' + 'dynamic' in the 20th century, paralleling the development of the technical noun 'astrodynamics' (the discipline of orbital mechanics).
Initially components referred broadly to 'star' and 'force'; over time the compound came to denote the specific study and description of the motion (forces and trajectories) of spacecraft and other objects in space.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(noun form 'astrodynamics') The field of study concerned with the motion of objects in space under gravity and other forces; orbital mechanics.
Researchers rely on astrodynamic principles when planning interplanetary missions.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to astrodynamics; concerning the forces, motion, and orbital behavior of objects in space (especially spacecraft).
Astrodynamic models are used to predict satellite trajectories.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/07 22:06