// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Retrograde
Describes an orbit or rotation that is opposite to the direction of the primary body's rotation. For Earth, this means moving westward.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Retrograde motion refers to an orbital or rotational direction that is opposite to the primary body's rotation (e.g., westward for Earth-orbiting satellites), typically requiring more energy to launch into compared to prograde orbits as it works against Earth's rotational velocity.
BACKGROUND
The billionaire space race is the rivalry among entrepreneurs who have entered the space industry from other industries – particularly computing. This private spaceflight race involves sending privately developed rockets and vehicles to various destinations in space, often in response to government programs or to develop the space tourism sector. Some of this competitiveness is part of the New Space Race.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Backward orbit
- westward orbit
- counter-rotational
USAGE NOTE
Some specialized reconnaissance satellites use retrograde orbits to achieve unique ground track patterns.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Retrograde.
Designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is capable of delivering payloads into a wide range of orbital inclinations, including challenging retrograde orbits required for specific Earth observation or government missions, particularly from its launch site at Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Operates the largest constellation of Earth-imaging satellites. Many of their 'Dove' and 'SkySat' satellites are placed in Sun-synchronous orbits (SSO), which are a specific type of near-polar, retrograde orbit that allows for consistent imaging of the Earth's surface at the same local solar time each day.
A launch and space systems company providing services for the small satellite market. Their Electron rocket is designed for rapid and responsive launch, offering dedicated missions to precise orbital destinations, including high-inclination and retrograde orbits, from their multiple launch sites.
A space technology company specializing in manufacturing communication and Earth observation satellites, as well as providing satellite imagery. Their high-resolution imaging satellite constellations, such as WorldView Legion, utilize retrograde Sun-synchronous orbits to provide global coverage and timely intelligence.
A major developer and manufacturer of propulsion systems for rockets, missiles, and spacecraft. Their in-space thrusters are critical for performing orbital maneuvers, including retrograde burns required to slow a spacecraft, lower its orbit, or initiate controlled de-orbit procedures.
Develops physics-based software for modeling, simulating, and analyzing space missions. Their flagship product, Systems Tool Kit (STK), is an industry standard used to design and analyze complex trajectories, including planning the launch into retrograde orbits and modeling retrograde propulsive maneuvers.
Operates a constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites for persistent monitoring of Earth. To achieve global coverage and frequent revisit rates, their satellites are often placed in high-inclination and retrograde polar orbits, enabling them to image any point on Earth.
Develops chemical, electric, and hybrid propulsion systems for satellites. Their thrusters enable spacecraft to perform crucial in-space maneuvers with high efficiency, including the retrograde burns necessary for orbit adjustments, station-keeping, and controlled end-of-life de-orbiting.