Difference between revisions of "retrograde"
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| − | A retrograde orientation is one that has the ship facing in the opposite direction from its direction of travel in its orbit. | + | A '''retrograde''' orientation is one that has the ship facing in the opposite direction from its direction of travel in its orbit. |
A retrograde burn is one in that direction, i.e. that subtracts from the ship's orbital speed. | A retrograde burn is one in that direction, i.e. that subtracts from the ship's orbital speed. | ||
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See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retrograde | See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retrograde | ||
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Revision as of 19:12, 30 March 2006
A retrograde orientation is one that has the ship facing in the opposite direction from its direction of travel in its orbit.
A retrograde burn is one in that direction, i.e. that subtracts from the ship's orbital speed.
The effect of a retrograde burn is to lower the orbit's altitude (opposite the ship's current location); it is thus used when approaching a planet or moon and assuming a closed orbit, or when landing.
See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retrograde