A near-equatorial orbit refers to an orbital path that is close to the equator of a celestial body, such as a planet or a moon. In the context of Earth, a near-equatorial orbit typically has an inclination angle that is very small, often less than 10 degrees relative to the equatorial plane.

A star tracker is an optical device used primarily in space applications, particularly in spacecraft navigation and attitude determination. It works by observing the positions of stars relative to one another, allowing a spacecraft to determine its orientation (attitude) in three-dimensional space. ### Key Functions and Characteristics: 1. **Astronomical Reference**: Star trackers utilize the positions of stars, which are generally stable points in the sky, as reference points to ascertain the spacecraft's orientation.

A **supersynchronous orbit** refers to an orbital position that is above the geostationary orbit, which is approximately 35,786 kilometers (22,236 miles) above the Earth's equator. In a geostationary orbit, a satellite appears to remain in a fixed position relative to the Earth's surface, as it orbits the Earth at the same rotational speed. Supersynchronous orbits are those orbits that have a higher altitude than the geostationary orbit.

Trans-Earth Injection (TEI) is a space maneuver used to send a spacecraft from a trajectory around the Earth onto a trajectory that will take it to the Moon or beyond, typically on a pathway that allows it to exit Earth’s gravitational influence. This maneuver is often executed during missions that involve lunar exploration or interplanetary travel.

The Tsiolkovsky rocket equation, also known as the ideal rocket equation, is a fundamental relation in astronautics and rocket propulsion that describes the motion of a rocket as it expels mass (in the form of propellant) to produce thrust.

Materials degradation refers to the process by which materials lose their properties and functionality over time due to various environmental, mechanical, or chemical factors. This deterioration can affect the material's strength, appearance, and performance, making it less suitable for its intended application. There are several types of materials degradation, including: 1. **Chemical Degradation**: This involves reactions with environmental agents, such as oxidation, hydrolysis, or corrosion, that may alter the chemical composition of the material.

A polygon is a 2-dimensional polytope, polyhedra is a 3-dimensional polytope.

Hiduminium is a brand name for a type of aluminum alloy that is primarily composed of aluminum and is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. This alloy is particularly noted for its use in aerospace applications, where lightweight and high strength are critical. Hiduminium alloys typically contain small amounts of other elements, such as copper, magnesium, or silicon, which enhance their mechanical properties.

A blowing agent is a substance that produces a gas or vapor, which is used to create bubbles in a liquid or a polymer matrix during the manufacturing of foams, lightweight materials, or other products. These agents are essential in the production of expanded materials like polyurethane foams, polystyrene foams, and certain types of plastics. Blowing agents can be physical or chemical.

A Brewster angle microscope (BAM) is an optical microscopy technique that utilizes the principle of Brewster's angle to enhance the contrast and resolution of images at the interface between different media, such as liquid and solid surfaces. It is especially useful for studying thin films, biological samples, and other systems where surface phenomena are important.

"Leo Morandi" does not appear to refer to a widely recognized figure, concept, or term as of my last knowledge update in October 2023. It's possible that it could be a name of a person, a brand, or something else that has gained significance after that date or is not well-documented.

HARMST stands for "High-Angle Rapid Motion Small Target," which typically refers to a category of targets or objects that are difficult to detect and track due to their rapid movement and small size. Such targets are often of interest in various fields, including military and aerospace applications, where effective tracking and engagement are crucial for operational success.

Force lines, often referred to as "field lines" or "force vectors," are a visual representation used in physics to illustrate the direction and strength of forces in a field. These lines help in understanding various physical concepts, particularly in fields such as electromagnetism and gravitational theory. Here’s a breakdown of force lines in different contexts: 1. **Gravitational Field Lines**: These lines represent the gravitational force exerted by a mass.

Helium atom scattering (HAS) is an experimental technique used in surface science to study the structure and properties of solid surfaces at the atomic level. It involves directing a beam of helium atoms at a surface and analyzing the scattered helium atoms that result from interactions with the surface. This technique takes advantage of the unique properties of helium, especially in its quantum mechanical behavior and its low mass, which make it a sensitive probe for surface characteristics.

Infrared non-destructive testing (NDT) is a technique used to evaluate the properties of materials and structures without causing any damage. This method primarily utilizes infrared (IR) radiation to detect variations in temperature and thermal properties of the materials being inspected. Here are some key aspects of infrared NDT: ### Principles - **Thermal Radiation**: All objects emit infrared radiation based on their temperature. By measuring this radiation, one can infer surface temperatures and identify thermal anomalies.

TODO understand and explain definition.

An interstitial site refers to a position or space within a crystal lattice structure that is not occupied by the primary atoms or ions that make up the crystal. Instead, these sites are located between the regular lattice points and can accommodate smaller atoms or ions. Interstitial sites are significant in various fields, including material science, solid-state physics, and chemistry, as they can affect the properties of materials.

The Larson-Miller parameter is an important concept in materials science and engineering, particularly for evaluating the time-to-rupture of materials at high temperatures. It is commonly used to assess the creep behavior of metals and alloys, especially in pressure vessels, turbine components, and other high-temperature applications.

A Materials Science Laboratory is a specialized facility dedicated to the study, analysis, and experimentation of various materials to understand their properties, behaviors, and applications. This type of laboratory is often found in academic institutions, research organizations, and industrial settings where materials development and testing are critical.