Glossary M

In the aerospace context, Mercury refers to the planet that is closest to the Sun in our Solar System. Mercury is the smallest planet in the Solar System and the one with the shortest orbital period. It is a rocky planet with a heavily cratered surface and a thin atmosphere.

Deutsch: Mesosphäre / Español: Mesosfera / Português: Mesosfera / Français: Mésosphère / Italiano: Mesosfera

Mesosphere in the space industry context refers to the third layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, typically extending from about 50 kilometers (31 miles) to 85 kilometers (53 miles) above the Earth's surface. It is characterized by decreasing temperatures with altitude, making it the coldest layer of the atmosphere. The mesosphere is of interest in the space industry for several reasons, including its role in the disintegration of meteoroids, its impact on the re-entry of spacecraft, and its influence on radio wave propagation for certain types of communication.

MESSENGER was a NASA robotic space probe that orbited the planet Mercury between 2011 and 2015, studying Mercury's chemical composition, geology, and magnetic field.

In the aerospace industry, metal is widely used in the construction of aircraft and spacecraft. These materials are valued for their high strength, stiffness, and durability, making them ideal for use in the harsh and demanding environments encountered in aviation and space travel.

Deutsch: Metallurgie / Español: Metalurgia / Português: Metalurgia / Français: Métallurgie / Italian: Metallurgia

Metallurgy refers to the science and technology of metals, focusing on their extraction, processing, and properties. In the space industry, metallurgy is crucial for developing materials that can withstand the extreme conditions of space.

Deutsch: Meteor / Español: Meteoro / Português: Meteoro / Français: Météore / Italiano: Meteorite /

In the space industry context, a meteor refers to the visible phenomenon that occurs when a meteoroid (a small piece of asteroid, comet, or interplanetary debris) enters the Earth's atmosphere and vaporizes due to friction with the air, creating a bright streak of light in the sky. This event is commonly known as a "shooting star" or "falling star," although it has no relation to actual stars. Meteors are a subject of interest in the space industry and astronomy for several reasons, including their contribution to our understanding of the composition of the solar system, the potential threat posed by larger objects, and the opportunity to collect meteorites (the remnants of meteoroids that reach the Earth's surface).

Deutsch: Meteorit / Español: Meteorito / Português: Meteorito / Français: Météorite / Italiano: Meteorite

Meteorite in the space industry context refers to a fragment of a meteoroid that survives its passage through the Earth's atmosphere and lands on the Earth's surface. Meteorites are valuable for scientific research, providing insights into the early solar system and the formation of planets.

Deutsch: Meteorologe / Español: Meteorólogo / Português: Meteorologista / Français: Météorologue / Italiano: Meteorologo

Meteorologist is a scientist who studies the atmosphere, weather, and climate, including the processes that cause weather patterns and climate changes. In the space industry, meteorologists play a crucial role in understanding space weather, which involves the study of conditions in space that affect Earth’s environment and human activities, including satellite operations, astronaut safety, and space missions.

Meteorology is a branch of the atmospheric sciences (which include atmospheric chemistry and physics) with a major focus on weather forecasting.

Methane, a simple hydrocarbon composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4), plays a pivotal role in the aerospace industry. This versatile gas has garnered significant attention for its potential to revolutionize propulsion systems, enable sustainable space travel, and facilitate future missions to celestial bodies.

MGSE stands for Mechanical, Ground Support Equipment. It refers to the equipment and systems that are used to support the operation and maintenance of aerospace systems, such as aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles.

Deutsch: Micro-D / Español: Micro-D / Português: Micro-D / Français: Micro-D / Italiano: Micro-D

Micro-D refers to a type of miniature electrical connector used in the space industry and other high-reliability applications. These connectors are designed to meet stringent requirements for size, weight, and performance, making them ideal for use in spacecraft, satellites, and other aerospace systems where space and weight constraints are critical.

Deutsch: Mikrochip / Español: Microchip / Português: Microchip / Français: Microchip / Italiano: Microchip /

An integrated circuit or monolithic integrated circuit (also referred to as an IC, a chip, or a microchip) is a set of electronic circuits on one small flat piece (or "chip") of semiconductor material, usually silicon.

In the aerospace context, microelectronics refers to the use of very small electronic devices, such as microchips and microsensors, in the design and construction of aircraft and spacecraft. These devices can be used for a wide range of purposes, including control, communication, navigation, and monitoring of various systems and processes.

Deutsch: Mikrogravitation / Español: Microgravedad / Português: Microgravidade / Français: Microgravité / Italiano: Microgravità

Microgravity in the space industry refers to the condition in which objects appear to be weightless and experience very low levels of gravitational force. This occurs when objects are in free fall, such as those orbiting Earth in a spacecraft, and the effects of gravity are almost imperceptible. Microgravity is crucial for conducting various scientific experiments and has significant implications for human spaceflight and the design of spacecraft.

A microlauncher is a small, lightweight rocket designed to launch small payloads, such as microsatellites, into orbit. Microsatellites are small satellites that typically weigh less than 100 kilograms, and microlaunchers are specifically designed to lift these smaller payloads into space.

Micrometeoroids in the context of the space industry are tiny, often microscopic, particles of meteoric material that travel through space at high speeds. These minuscule objects can pose significant risks to spacecraft and astronauts, making them a topic of concern and study in space exploration. In this article, we will explore what micrometeoroids are, the potential hazards they present, and provide examples of their impact on space missions. Additionally, we will discuss similar concepts and protective measures employed by space agencies.

Deutsch: Mikroorganismus / Español: Microorganismo / Português: Microorganismo / Français: Microorganisme / Italiano: Microorganismo /

Microorganisms in the context of the space industry refer to tiny, often single-celled organisms that are found in various environments on Earth and have also been discovered in space. These microorganisms play a significant role in space exploration, both as potential risks and valuable assets. In this article, we will delve into the world of microorganisms in the space industry, providing examples, discussing associated risks, exploring application areas, and touching upon the historical and legal aspects of their presence in space. The article will conclude with a list of similar concepts and a summary.

Deutsch: Mikrosatellit / Español: Microsatélite / Português: Microsatélite / Français: Microsatellite / Italiano: Microsatellite

Microsat in the space industry context refers to a type of satellite with a mass typically ranging from 10 to 100 kilograms. These satellites represent a category within the broader classification of small satellites (small sats), which are distinguished by their compact size and mass. Microsats are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, including Earth observation, scientific research, communication, and technology demonstration, offering a cost-effective and flexible alternative to larger, more traditional satellites.

Microsatellites represent a category of small, lightweight satellites that have garnered increasing attention in recent years. These diminutive devices serve a wide array of purposes, from Earth observation to communication, scientific research, and even educational initiatives.