A Glossary of the Space Industry, Rockets, Satellites, and Outer Space
Glossary S +++ Popular Articles: 'Space-grade', 'Space industry', 'Space Shuttle Orbiter'
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: Schwester / Español: Hermana / Português: Irmã / Français: Sœur / Italiano: Sorella
Sister in the space industry context generally refers to a "sister satellite" or "sister mission", indicating two or more related spacecraft or missions that share similar designs, objectives, or functions. Sister satellites are often launched as part of a constellation or series, working together to achieve a common goal such as Earth observation, communication, or scientific research.
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: Fallschirmspringen / Español: Paracaidismo / Português: Paraquedismo / Français: Parachutisme / Italiano: Paracadutismo
Skydiving in the space industry context refers to controlled high-altitude jumps from spacecraft or stratospheric platforms, often for testing re-entry suits, escape systems, or for scientific and commercial purposes. These extreme jumps help simulate emergency descent scenarios for astronauts and are crucial for testing equipment in near-space conditions.
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).
Deutsch: Skymaster (Raumfahrt) / Español: Skymaster (industria espacial) / Português: Skymaster (indústria espacial) / Français: Skymaster (industrie spatiale) / Italiano: Skymaster (industria spaziale)
The term Skymaster in the space industry refers to a specialized class of high-altitude, long-endurance aircraft or unmanned aerial systems (UAS) designed to serve as stratospheric platforms for scientific, telecommunications, or Earth observation missions. These systems bridge the gap between conventional aircraft and satellites, offering persistent coverage with lower operational costs and greater flexibility than orbital assets. While not a standardized designation, the Skymaster concept has been explored by aerospace agencies and private companies to address niche requirements in atmospheric research, disaster monitoring, and global connectivity.
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.
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:
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.
Also: 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: Solarenergie / Español: Energía solar / Português: Energia solar / Français: Énergie solaire / Italiano: Energia solare
Solar energy in the space industry refers to the use of sunlight as a power source for spacecraft, satellites, space stations, and planetary exploration missions. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing a sustainable and long-term energy solution for space operations.
Deutsch: Solarer Antrieb / Español: Propulsión solar / Português: Propulsão solar / Français: Propulsion solaire / Italiano: Propulsione solare
Solar propulsion in the space industry refers to propulsion systems that utilise solar energy to generate thrust or power spacecraft. This can involve direct conversion of solar radiation into kinetic energy through solar sails or indirect use by converting solar energy into electricity to power electric propulsion systems. Solar propulsion is a sustainable and efficient method for deep space missions and long-duration operations, relying on the abundant energy of the sun.
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.
"Satcom on the move" (SOTM) refers to the use of satellite communication (satcom) systems to provide connectivity and communication services to vehicles or other mobile platforms while they are in motion. This can include vehicles on the ground, such as cars, trucks, and buses, as well as aircraft, ships, and other vessels.
Do you have more interesting information, examples? Send us a new or updated description !
If you sent more than 600 words, which we can publish, we will -if you allow us - sign your article with your name!