// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Prograde
Describes an orbit or rotation in the same direction as the primary body's rotation. For Earth, this means moving eastward.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Prograde motion refers to an orbital or rotational direction that is consistent with the primary body's rotation (e.g., eastward for Earth-orbiting satellites), typically requiring less energy to launch into compared to retrograde orbits due to leveraging Earth's rotational velocity.
BACKGROUND
The International Space Station (ISS) is a space station in low Earth orbit (LEO). It is the product of the International Space Station program and is operated by five partner space agencies: NASA, Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada). It is the first space station built, maintained and crewed through international cooperation and the largest human spacecraft ever constructed. It is an orbital research station, where scientific experiments in microgravity are conducted and the space environment is studied. Since 2 November 2000, it has hosted the longest continuous presence of humans in space. Alongside Tiangong, it is one of the only two currently operational space stations.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Direct orbit
- eastward orbit
- co-rotational
USAGE NOTE
Most Earth-orbiting satellites are launched into prograde orbits to maximize launch vehicle efficiency.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Prograde.
Develops and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft. Their Falcon and Starship vehicles perform prograde burns to achieve and adjust orbits for various missions, including satellite deployment and crewed spaceflight.
Focuses on developing launch vehicles and space systems. Their New Glenn orbital rocket utilizes prograde maneuvers to insert payloads into their intended orbits.
A major developer of satellites, space exploration systems, and launch vehicle components. Orbital mechanics, including prograde maneuvers, are fundamental to the operation and mission planning of their spacecraft and payloads.
Designs and builds space systems, launch vehicles, and advanced defense technologies. Their space missions and launch services, such as the Antares rocket, rely on precise prograde burns for orbital insertion and maneuvering.
A global leader in small satellite launch and space systems. Their Electron rocket performs prograde burns to deliver satellites to precise orbits, and their Photon spacecraft also utilizes prograde thrust for orbital adjustments and transfers.
A leading provider of launch services for U.S. government missions. Their Atlas V and Delta IV rockets (and upcoming Vulcan Centaur) execute prograde burns to achieve various orbital trajectories.
A European launch service provider, operating the Ariane and Vega family of launch vehicles. Their rockets perform prograde burns to place satellites into a wide range of orbits for commercial and institutional customers.
The U.S. government agency responsible for the civilian space program, aeronautics, and aerospace research. NASA develops and operates numerous spacecraft and launch systems where prograde maneuvers are critical for mission execution, from Earth orbit to deep space exploration.