// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Orbital Parameter
Any characteristic or value that helps describe an orbit, such as its size, shape, or orientation in space.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
An Orbital Parameter is any quantifiable characteristic used to describe an orbit's geometry, orientation, or state, encompassing both the classical Keplerian elements and other derived quantities like orbital period, velocity, or altitude.
BACKGROUND
A low Earth orbit (LEO) is an orbit around Earth with a period of 128 minutes or less and an eccentricity less than 0.25. Most of the artificial objects in outer space are in LEO, peaking in number at an altitude around 800 km (500 mi), while the farthest in LEO, before medium Earth orbit (MEO), have an altitude of 2,000 kilometers, about one-third of the radius of Earth and near the beginning of the inner Van Allen radiation belt.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Orbital characteristic
- orbital property
- orbital element
USAGE NOTE
Used interchangeably with orbital elements, but can also refer to derived quantities like period or velocity.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Orbital Parameter.
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. Deeply involved in orbital mechanics for launch trajectories, satellite constellation deployment (Starlink), and spacecraft re-entry and landing.
The U.S. government agency responsible for the civilian space program, aeronautics research, and space research. Utilizes orbital parameter data extensively for mission planning, satellite tracking, deep space navigation, and space debris monitoring.
Provides commercial space situational awareness (SSA) services, mapping and monitoring objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) using ground-based radar. Their core business relies on precise orbital parameter determination for collision avoidance and space traffic management.
A company dedicated to the safe and sustainable development of space, providing solutions across the spectrum of on-orbit servicing, including active debris removal and end-of-life services. Precise understanding and manipulation of orbital parameters are central to their operations.
Europe's gateway to space, involved in space exploration, Earth observation, navigation, and space safety. ESA's Space Debris Office and mission control centers rely heavily on orbital mechanics and parameter analysis for satellite operations and collision risk assessment.
A leading provider of comprehensive space technology solutions, including Earth imagery, geospatial intelligence, and satellite manufacturing. Orbital parameters are critical for their imaging satellites to precisely target and collect data.
Operates the largest fleet of Earth observation satellites, providing daily satellite imagery of the entire Earth's landmass. Managing and maintaining the orbital parameters of their extensive constellation is fundamental to their imaging capabilities and mission success.
The space service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, responsible for organizing, training, and equipping forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space. It maintains extensive space situational awareness, which relies heavily on tracking and predicting the orbital parameters of thousands of objects in space.