astrodynamics
|as-tro-dy-nam-ics|
🇺🇸
/ˌæstroʊdaɪˈnæmɪks/
🇬🇧
/ˌæstrəʊdaɪˈnæmɪks/
motion of spacecraft
Etymology
'astrodynamics' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'astron' (ἄστρον) and 'dynamis' (δύναμις), where 'astron' meant 'star' and 'dynamis' meant 'power' or 'force'.
'astrodynamics' was formed in modern English as a compound of the combining form 'astro-' (from Greek 'astron' via Latin/Modern French combining forms) and 'dynamics' (from Greek 'dynamis' via Late Latin/Middle French 'dynamica'/'dynamique'), becoming established in the 20th century as the term for spacecraft/orbital motion studies.
Initially the roots implied 'the power/forces of the stars', but over time the combined term evolved into the specific modern meaning: 'the study and engineering of motions of bodies in space (especially artificial satellites and spacecraft)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the branch of applied mechanics and aerospace engineering that studies the motion of artificial bodies (satellites, spacecraft) and natural bodies in space under the influence of gravitational and other forces; often synonymous with orbital mechanics.
She specialized in astrodynamics to design efficient satellite transfer orbits.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the practical engineering discipline focused on trajectory design, orbit determination, and maneuver planning for spacecraft.
Astrodynamics plays a central role in mission planning for interplanetary probes.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/07 22:20