Perigee (Noun)
Meaning
Periapsis in Earth orbit; the point in its orbit where a satellite is nearest to the Earth.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The satellite completed one full orbit around the Earth in just under two hours, with the perigee bringing it within 100 miles of the planet's surface.
- Astronomers tracked the spacecraft's trajectory closely, ensuring it would reach perigee safely without being caught by Earth's gravitational pull.
- During perigee, the satellite transmitted crucial data back to Earth, taking advantage of the stronger signal strength due to its proximity.
- At perigee, the Space Shuttle's engines fired up to adjust its orbit and prepare for re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
- Scientists carefully calculated the satellite's orbital path to ensure the lowest possible perigee, maximizing its chances of successful spacecraft recovery.