// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Apogee
The point in an elliptical orbit where an object is farthest from the body it's orbiting. For Earth-orbiting satellites, this is the highest point above Earth.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Apogee is the orbital point of maximum distance for an orbiting body (e.g., satellite, spacecraft) from its primary (e.g., Earth, Moon), crucial for mission planning and orbital maneuvers.
BACKGROUND
Space technology is technology for use in outer space. Space technology includes space vehicles such as spacecraft, satellites, space stations and orbital launch vehicles; deep-space communication; in-space propulsion; and a wide variety of other technologies including support infrastructure equipment, and procedures.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Apoapsis
- Farthest point
- Highest point
- Max altitude
USAGE NOTE
Reaching apogee is often a target for specific orbital maneuvers or observations.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Apogee.
Develops and operates launch vehicles (e.g., Falcon 9, Starship) that deliver payloads to various orbits, including geostationary transfer orbits (GTO) where the apogee is a critical parameter for satellite deployment.
Provides launch services for a wide range of missions, frequently delivering satellites and spacecraft to orbits requiring precise apogee injection, such as GTO for telecommunication satellites.
As a major European launch service provider, Arianespace regularly launches telecommunication satellites to GTO, where the apogee defines the highest point of their transfer orbit before circularization.
Develops various space systems, including propulsion systems, spacecraft, and launch vehicles, often involved in apogee kick motors and orbital maneuvering for achieving desired apogees.
Designs and builds advanced satellites and spacecraft for military, civil, and commercial customers, requiring precise orbital mechanics and maneuvers to reach and maintain desired apogees for mission success.
Manages and executes numerous space missions, from scientific probes to Earth observation satellites, all of which involve careful planning and execution of orbital maneuvers to achieve specific apogees.
Conducts extensive space exploration and scientific missions, requiring sophisticated orbital calculations and propulsion systems to achieve precise apogees for spacecraft trajectories and mission objectives.
Develops and operates advanced Earth observation and communication satellites, which require precise orbital insertion and station-keeping, where apogee is a fundamental orbital parameter for mission performance.
Developing launch vehicles (e.g., New Glenn) and in-space systems that will perform complex orbital transfers and maneuvers, requiring accurate targeting and achievement of specific orbital apogees.