// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM

Planet

A large celestial body that orbits a star, is massive enough to be rounded by its own gravity, and has cleared its orbital path of other debris.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

A planet is a celestial body that orbits a star, possesses sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit, as defined by the IAU.

BACKGROUND

Axiom Space, Inc., is an American privately funded space infrastructure developer headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • World
  • celestial body
  • orb

USAGE NOTE

The definition of a planet has evolved, notably leading to Pluto's reclassification as a dwarf planet.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Planet.

  • NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

    A U.S. government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program, aeronautics, and aerospace research. NASA conducts extensive planetary science, exploration missions to other planets, and develops technology for deep space travel and observation.

  • SpaceX

    An American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company. SpaceX develops rockets and spacecraft with long-term goals of enabling human colonization of Mars and other celestial bodies.

  • Blue Origin

    An American privately funded aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company. Blue Origin is developing technologies to enable human access to space and has long-term visions for lunar and planetary infrastructure.

  • Planet Labs PBC

    A public Earth imaging company that operates the largest fleet of Earth observation satellites. Planet Labs provides daily satellite imagery and geospatial data, contributing to monitoring and understanding our own planet.

  • ESA (European Space Agency)

    An intergovernmental organization of 22 member states dedicated to the exploration of space. ESA conducts a wide range of space missions, including significant contributions to planetary science and exploration.

  • JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)

    Japan's national aerospace and space agency, responsible for research and development in space, including planetary science missions like the Hayabusa asteroid sample return missions.

  • Maxar Technologies

    A U.S. space technology and intelligence company that provides advanced satellite imagery, geospatial data, and space infrastructure, including components for robotic space exploration and observation of celestial bodies.

  • Rocket Lab

    A U.S.-New Zealand aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. Rocket Lab develops launch vehicles and spacecraft, and is expanding into lunar missions and space systems for future planetary exploration.

  • Intuitive Machines

    An American space exploration company focused on delivering commercial services to the Moon. They develop lunar landers and other technologies to enable sustained human and robotic presence on celestial bodies.

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