periapsis
/ˌpɛriˈæpsɪs/
noun
- The point in an orbit around a celestial body (like a planet or star) where the orbiting object is closest to that body.
- The satellite reached its periapsis, coming within 200 miles of Mars.
- At periapsis, the comet's speed is highest due to the stronger gravitational pull.
- Engineers planned a small thruster burn at periapsis to adjust the spacecraft's trajectory.
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