// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Orbital Elements
A set of six specific numbers that precisely describe the size, shape, and orientation of a satellite's orbit in space.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Orbital Elements are a set of six independent parameters (e.g., semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, right ascension of ascending node, argument of periapsis, true anomaly) that uniquely define the size, shape, and orientation of an orbit in space, based on classical orbital mechanics.
BACKGROUND
Outer space, or simply space, is the expanse that exists beyond Earth's atmosphere and between celestial bodies. It contains ultra-low levels of particle densities, constituting a near-perfect vacuum of predominantly hydrogen and helium plasma, permeated by electromagnetic radiation, cosmic rays, neutrinos, magnetic fields and dust. The baseline temperature of outer space, as set by the background radiation from the Big Bang, is 2.7 kelvins.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Keplerian elements
- orbital parameters
- classical orbital elements (COEs)
USAGE NOTE
Used by mission planners and ground control to define, predict, and track spacecraft trajectories.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Orbital Elements.
As a leading space agency, NASA's missions in exploration, science, and human spaceflight heavily rely on precise calculation, prediction, and manipulation of orbital elements for spacecraft trajectories, station-keeping, and space situational awareness.
ESA conducts extensive research and operations in orbital mechanics, satellite navigation, space debris tracking, and mission planning, all of which are fundamentally dependent on understanding and managing orbital elements.
Operating the vast Starlink constellation and developing advanced launch systems, SpaceX requires sophisticated orbital mechanics expertise for satellite deployment, constellation management, collision avoidance, and trajectory optimization.
LeoLabs specializes in space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic management, using a global network of radars to track objects in orbit and provide high-fidelity orbital element data to prevent collisions and ensure safe space operations.
Developer of Systems Tool Kit (STK), Ansys Government Solutions provides software widely used by aerospace engineers and operators for mission design, trajectory analysis, space situational awareness, and satellite operations, all of which are built upon orbital element computations.
As an independent, nonprofit research and development center, The Aerospace Corporation provides technical expertise and analysis for space systems, including advanced orbital mechanics, space debris mitigation, and space domain awareness for government and commercial clients.
Maxar operates and builds Earth observation satellites, requiring precise management of orbital elements for imaging campaigns, satellite maneuvers, and maintaining constellation integrity to deliver high-quality geospatial intelligence.
A major defense and aerospace company, Northrop Grumman is involved in the development of satellite systems, launch vehicles, and space domain awareness solutions, all relying on advanced understanding and application of orbital mechanics and elements.