orbitide

Orbitide is a term used in the field of astronomy and astrodynamics to describe a specific type of orbit that a spacecraft or satellite follows around a celestial body. The term is derived from the words "orbit" and "side," indicating that the orbit is positioned on one side of the celestial body. This type of orbit is often used for scientific missions that require a stable, long-term view of one side of a planet or moon.

One of the most well-known examples of an orbitide is the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), which was launched by NASA in 2009. The LRO follows a polar orbitide around the Moon, allowing it to map the lunar surface in high resolution and provide valuable data for future lunar missions. Other examples include the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) and the Cassini spacecraft, which followed orbitides around Mars and Saturn, respectively.

Orbitides are typically chosen for missions that require a consistent view of a specific region, such as monitoring weather patterns, studying geological features, or searching for signs of life. The stability of an orbitide is due to the gravitational forces of the celestial body, which keep the spacecraft in a fixed position relative to the surface.

In summary, orbitide is a term used to describe a specific type of orbit that a spacecraft follows around a celestial body, providing a stable, long-term view of one side of the planet or moon. This type of orbit is often used for scientific missions that require consistent observation of a specific region.