Meaning & use
astrodynamics
Last updated
Meaning
noununcountabletechnical
The branch of science that studies how spacecraft and other objects move under gravity in space.
Grammar: Uncountable and used with a singular verb: 'Astrodynamics is a difficult subject'.
Patterns
- study astrodynamics
- principles of astrodynamics
Mission planners use astrodynamics to calculate the fuel needed for a trip to Mars.
Astrodynamics is essential for keeping satellites in the right orbit.
He teaches astrodynamics to engineering students who want to work in the space industry.
Common combinations
- principles of astrodynamics
- The course begins with the basic principles of astrodynamics.
- astrodynamics software
- Engineers used astrodynamics software to plot the spacecraft's path.
- orbital astrodynamics
- Orbital astrodynamics deals with the paths of objects around planets and moons.
Synonyms and how they differ
- orbital mechanics
- Orbital mechanics is very close in meaning and is often used for the same subject, especially when the focus is on orbits rather than all space motion.
Word family
- astrodynamic adjective
- Relating to the motion of objects in space.
- astrodynamicist noun
- A specialist in astrodynamics.
Commonly confused: astrodynamics or aerodynamics?
astrodynamics vs aerodynamics
Aerodynamics studies how objects move through air, while astrodynamics studies motion in space, where gravity is the main force.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'astrodynamics' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Astrodynamics' is an uncountable noun that takes a singular verb, so 'is used' is correct. 'Are used' is wrong because the word is not plural in form or meaning.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “astrodynamics”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.