When an object is caught in orbit around a celestial body, this event is typically referred to as “orbital insertion.” Orbital insertion is a critical process in space missions and involves precisely altering the velocity and trajectory of a spacecraft or satellite to achieve stable orbit around a planet, moon, or other celestial bodies.
The process often involves the use of thrusters or other propulsion systems to slow down the object so that it can be captured by the gravitational pull of the body it aims to orbit. For instance, when a spacecraft travels from Earth to Mars, it may use a combination of on-board propulsion and gravitational assists from other celestial bodies to adjust its path. Upon reaching Mars, the spacecraft must then execute a series of carefully timed maneuvers to enter a stable orbit.
Orbital insertion is a critical maneuver requiring precise calculations and timing, as any miscalculation could result in the object missing the target or even crashing. It often relies on complex algorithms and real-time communication with ground control stations to ensure success. Orbital insertion is essential not only for sending spacecraft to distant planets but also for deploying satellites around Earth and other celestial bodies in our solar system.