Glossary S

Silicon is a chemical element, with the symbol Si and atomic number 14.

Deutsch: Silber / Español: Plata / Português: Prata / Français: Argent / Italian: Argento

Silver plays a crucial role in the space industry, primarily due to its unique properties, including excellent electrical conductivity, high thermal conductivity, and resistance to oxidation. These characteristics make it indispensable in various applications, particularly in electronics and thermal management systems used in spacecraft, satellites, and other space-related technologies.

In the space industry context, the term "simpler" doesn't refer to a specific technology, concept, or system. Instead, it generally relates to the ongoing efforts within the industry to streamline operations, design, manufacturing processes, and mission architectures to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize complexities. Making systems "simpler" can involve a wide range of approaches, from adopting more straightforward design principles and utilizing off-the-shelf components to employing reusable rockets and spacecraft.

Deutsch: Simulation / Español: Simulación / Português: Simulação / Français: Simulation / Italiano: Simulazione /

A simulation is a model of a real or hypothetical system that is used to predict or analyze the behavior of the system over time. Simulations can be used to study a wide range of systems, including physical systems, biological systems, social systems, and economic systems.

Deutsch: Simulator / Español: Simulador / Português: Simulador / Français: Simulateur / Italiano: Simulatore /

In the realm of aerospace, where precision and safety are paramount, simulators play a pivotal role. These advanced training tools provide a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world experience, enabling pilots, astronauts, and aerospace professionals to refine their skills and decision-making abilities in a controlled environment.

SiP stands for System in Package. It refers to a type of electronic package that integrates multiple components, such as microprocessors, memory, and other functional blocks, into a single package. SiPs are designed to offer a compact and efficient way to integrate multiple components into a single system, and are commonly used in a wide range of aerospace applications.

For the term SIP --->Structural Insulated Panel.

Deutsch: Größe / Español: Tamaño / Português: Tamanho / Français: Taille / Italiano: Dimensione

Size in the space industry refers to the physical dimensions or magnitude of objects such as spacecraft, satellites, rockets, and other equipment used in space exploration and commercial space activities. In this context, size plays a critical role in the design, function, and performance of these objects. It affects various factors such as payload capacity, launch costs, and mission objectives. Spacecraft size must be carefully optimized to balance the constraints of technology, physics, and cost efficiency.

The sky is an unobstructed view upward from the surface of the Earth. It includes the atmosphere and outer space. It may also be considered a place between the ground and outer space, thus distinct from outer space.

Deutsch: SkyLab / Español: SkyLab / Português: SkyLab / Français: SkyLab / Italiano: SkyLab

SkyLab was the United States' first space station, launched and operated by NASA in the 1970s. It was designed to be a laboratory for conducting scientific experiments in microgravity and to demonstrate that humans could live and work in space for extended periods. SkyLab provided valuable data and experience that paved the way for future space stations, including the International Space Station (ISS).

SL --->'Sociedad Limitada', the Spanish version of a private limited company

A submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) is a ballistic missile capable of being launched from submarines. Modern variants usually deliver multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), each of which carries a nuclear warhead and allows a single launched missile to strike several targets.

A slip is a manoevre where an aeroplane pilot rolls the aircraft in one direction with the ailerons and yaws it in the opposite direction with the rudder. This results in the aircraft continuing to move forward but presenting a larger cross-section to the oncoming air - thereby creating drag and causing the aeroplane to lose altitude rapidly in a controlled manner.

small-satellite --->Smallsat

Deutsch: Kleinsatellit / Español: Nanosatélite / Português: Nanossatélite / Français: Microsatellite / Italiano: Microsatellite /

A small satellite, miniaturized satellite, or smallsat is a satellite of low mass and size, usually under 1,200 kg.

The term "smart" can refer to a number of different things, depending on the context. Some possible uses of the term "smart" in the aerospace industry might include:

• Smart materials: These are materials that have properties that can be altered or controlled in some way, either by external stimuli or by internal mechanisms. Smart materials are often used in aerospace applications because they can provide structural advantages, such as the ability to change shape or stiffness in response to various stimuli. Examples of smart materials used in aerospace include shape memory alloys, piezoelectric materials, and piezocomposites.

• Smart structures: These are structures that incorporate smart materials or other advanced technologies that allow them to adapt or respond to changing conditions. Smart structures are often used in aerospace applications to improve performance, reduce weight, or increase efficiency.

• Smart systems: These are systems that use advanced technologies, such as sensors, actuators, and control algorithms, to perform tasks more efficiently or adapt to changing conditions. Smart systems are often used in aerospace applications to improve safety, reliability, or performance.

• Smart sensors: These are sensors that are able to gather and process data from their environment and use it to make decisions or take actions. Smart sensors are often used in aerospace applications to monitor the health and performance of aircraft systems and components.

• Smart maintenance: This refers to the use of advanced technologies, such as sensors and predictive analytics, to optimize maintenance schedules and procedures for aircraft. The goal of smart maintenance is to reduce downtime and improve safety and reliability.

Some examples of how smart materials, structures, systems, and sensors might be used in the aerospace industry:

• Smart materials: A shape memory alloy might be used to create a wing flap that can change shape in response to temperature changes, allowing it to adapt to different flight conditions. A piezoelectric material might be used to create a sensor that can detect cracks or other damage in a structural component, allowing for early detection and repair.

• Smart structures: A wing with a shape-changing capability might be able to adjust its shape to optimize lift and reduce drag, improving fuel efficiency and performance. A self-healing composite material might be used to create a structural component that can repair itself in the event of minor damage, reducing maintenance requirements and improving reliability.

• Smart systems: A sensor network might be used to monitor the health of an aircraft's engines and systems, providing real-time data that can be used to optimize performance or detect potential issues before they become problems. An automated control system might be used to adjust the flaps, slats, and other control surfaces on an aircraft in response to changing flight conditions, improving stability and efficiency.

• Smart sensors: A sensor might be used to monitor the pressure and temperature of an aircraft's tires, providing real-time data that can be used to optimize tire pressure and reduce the risk of tire failure. A sensor might be used to monitor the health of an aircraft's batteries, providing real-time data that can be used to optimize charging and extend the life of the batteries.

SME stands for small and medium-sized enterprises. These are businesses that are smaller in size than large enterprises, but larger than microbusinesses.

Deutsch: System on Chip / Español: Sistema en Chip / Português: Sistema em Chip / Français: Système sur Puce / Italiano: Sistema su Chip /

SoC stands for System on a Chip. It refers to a type of electronic system that integrates multiple components onto a single microchip.

SOC stands also for Systems Operations Center. It refers to a central facility where personnel monitor and control the operation of complex systems, such as spacecraft or satellite networks.

SOC --->Start of climb at missed approach

Deutsch: Sojourner (Marsfahrzeug) / Español: Sojourner (vehículo marciano) / Português: Sojourner (veículo marciano) / Français: Sojourner (véhicule martien) / Italiano: Sojourner (veicolo marziano)

Sojourner in the space industry context refers to the first Mars rover deployed by NASA as part of the Mars Pathfinder mission. Launched on December 4, 1996, and landing on Mars on July 4, 1997, Sojourner marked humanity's first use of a rover to explore the surface of another planet remotely. This small, six-wheeled robotic vehicle was designed to test the feasibility of low-cost landings on and exploration of the Martian surface. It carried scientific instruments to analyze the Martian atmosphere, climate, and geology, specifically the composition of rocks and soil.

Deutsch: Löten / Español: Soldadura / Português: Soldagem / Français: Brasage / Italiano: Saldatura

Soldering in the space industry refers to the process of joining electronic components or metallic parts using a filler metal (solder), which is melted and then solidified to create a strong, conductive connection. This process is critical for assembling and maintaining electronic systems in spacecraft, satellites, and other space-related hardware. Given the harsh conditions of space—such as extreme temperatures, radiation, and vacuum—soldering must meet strict quality and reliability standards to ensure the long-term functionality and safety of space missions.