Orbiting body

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In astrodynamics, an orbiting body (m2) is a body that orbits a primary body (m1).

The orbiting body is properly referred to as the secondary body.[1]

It is less massive than the primary body (i.e. m1 > m2).

Under standard assumptions in astrodynamics the barycenter of the two bodies is a focus of both orbits.

See also

References

  1. ^ NASA "Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use" http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/SEH/s.html, retrieved 5/11/2010



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