Glossary A

Aerocapture in the space industry context refers to a maneuver used to place a spacecraft into orbit around a planet or moon by using the body's atmosphere to slow down the spacecraft significantly. Unlike aerobraking, which involves multiple passes through the atmosphere to gradually reduce the spacecraft's orbit over time, aerocapture is completed in a single pass and is aimed at quickly transitioning a spacecraft from a hyperbolic trajectory to a stable orbit.

Deutsch: Flugplatz / Español: Aeródromo / Português: Aeródromo / Français: Aérodrome / Italiano: Aerodromo /

An aerodrome (English) or airdrome (US English) is a location from which aircraft flight operations take place, regardless of whether they involve air cargo, passengers, or neither, and regardless of whether it is for public or private use. Aerodromes include small general aviation airfields, large commercial airports, and military air bases.

Aerodynamics is the study of the motion of air, particularly when affected by a solid object, such as an airplane wing. It involves topics covered in the field of fluid dynamics and its subfield of gas dynamics.

Deutsch: Aerodynamische Leistung / Español: Rendimiento aerodinámico / Português: Desempenho aerodinâmico / Français: Performance aérodynamique / Italiano: Prestazioni aerodinamiche

Aerodynamic Performance in the space industry context refers to the efficiency and effectiveness with which spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and other space-bound objects manage air resistance and utilize airflow to optimize flight dynamics. This encompasses the design and engineering aspects aimed at reducing drag, enhancing lift where applicable, and improving stability and control during the ascent through Earth's atmosphere and, for some vehicles, during re-entry.

Aerodynamics, from Ancient Greek: aero (air), is the study of the motion of air, particularly when affected by a solid object, such as an airplane wing.

An aerodyne is a heavier-than-air craft, deriving its lift from motion.

An Aeronaut is a pilot or crew of lighter-than-air craft.

Deutsch: Luftfahrt-/ Español: Aeronáutico / Português: Aeronáutico / Français: Aéronautique / Italiano: Aeronautico /

In the context of aerospace, the term "aeronautic" refers to the science and technology of designing, building, and operating aircraft. This includes both fixed-wing aircraft, such as airplanes and rotary-wing aircraft, such as helicopters

In the space industry context, aeronautical engineering often overlaps with aerospace engineering, focusing on the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and components. However, strictly speaking, aeronautical engineering primarily concerns itself with the study and development of technology related to the atmosphere's operation, including airplanes and helicopters. In the broader context of the space industry, professionals might apply aeronautical engineering principles to aspects of spacecraft design that interact with atmospheric conditions during launch or re-entry phases, such as aerodynamics, thermal protection systems, and flight mechanics.

Aeronautics in the space industry context refers to the science and engineering discipline that deals with the study, design, and manufacturing of flight-capable machines, as well as the techniques of operating aircraft and rockets within Earth's atmosphere. Although aeronautics primarily concerns aircraft operations in Earth's atmosphere, its principles and technologies significantly overlap with astronautics, which is the equivalent for spacecraft operations outside Earth’s atmosphere.

In the space industry context, the term "aeroplane" isn't typically used in its traditional sense, referring to aircraft that fly within Earth's atmosphere using fixed wings for lift. However, the concept and technology behind aeroplanes—or more broadly, aerospace vehicles—play a role in several areas related to space exploration and operations. This includes the development and use of spaceplanes, which are vehicles capable of atmospheric flight like an aeroplane but also equipped to travel in space. Spaceplanes represent a hybrid class of aerospace vehicles designed for tasks such as launching satellites, conducting research in microgravity, and potentially serving as platforms for space tourism.

Deutsch: Aeroponik / Español: Aeroponía / Português: Aeroponia / Français: Aéroponie / Italiano: Aeroponica

Aeroponics is an innovative method for growing plants without soil, using a nutrient-rich mist to nourish the plants’ exposed roots. In the space industry, aeroponics is being explored and developed as a sustainable solution for growing food in space, where traditional farming methods are impractical. By enabling plants to grow in zero gravity with minimal water and soil, aeroponics supports long-term space missions, providing fresh produce for astronauts while reducing the need for heavy, soil-based agricultural systems.

Deutsch: Aerosol / Español: Aerosol / Português: Aerossol / Français: Aérosol / Italiano: Aerosol

Aerosol in the space industry context refers to tiny particles or droplets suspended in a gas, often found in the atmospheres of planets and moons. Aerosols can also refer to the intentional or accidental release of particulates into space or the study of particles in the Earth's atmosphere from space.

Deutsch: Luft- und Raumfahrt / Español: Aeroespacial / Português: Aeroespacial / Français: Aérospatial / Italiano: Aerospaziale /

Aerospace is a term that refers to the Earth's atmosphere and the space beyond it.

Aerospace architecture in the space industry context refers to the specialized field that deals with the design and organization of spacecraft interiors and space habitats, focusing on the structural and functional elements necessary for human life and operations in space. This field combines principles from traditional architecture, engineering, human factors, and space science to create viable living and working environments beyond Earth.

Deutsch: Aerospike-Triebwerk / Español: Motor aerospike / Português: Motor aerospike / Français: Moteur aerospike / Italiano: Motore aerospike

Aerospike engine is a type of rocket engine that stands out due to its unique design and efficiency advantages. Unlike traditional bell-shaped rocket nozzles, the aerospike engine uses a spike-shaped nozzle that allows it to maintain efficiency over a wider range of altitudes.

English: Aerostructure / Deutsch: Aerostruktur / Español: Aeroestructura / Português: Aeroestrutura / Français: Aérostructure / Italiano: Aerostruttura /