Definitions list
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panchromaticDescribes a viewing instrument or mode that is sensitive to all colours across the visible spectrum.
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parabolic flight
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passivationSet of techniques applied to spacecraft to avoid generating unwanted orbital debris. In particular, passivation involves averting the risks of residual propellants exploding in the upper stages of launch vehicles.
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payload1. Cargo (satellite, orbital station element, probe, capsule) carried and orbited by a launch vehicle
2. Instruments specific to a satellite’s or probe’s mission, as opposed to the bus on which they are mounted.
A payload may be a satellite carried by a launch vehicle, or an experiment payload on the satellite itself.
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periapsisPoint on a satellite’s orbit nearest the centre of the body around which it gravitates. For example, when Earth is the centre of attraction, the term perigee is used; if the Moon, perilune; if Jupiter, perijove; and if the Sun, perihelion.
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perigeePoint on a satellite’s orbit nearest the centre of the Earth.
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perturbed orbitTrajectory that deviates slightly from a Keplerian orbit due to uneven distribution of mass within the two bodies, to forces other than mutual attraction or to collisions with other particles in their vicinity.
What is an orbit?
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pesanteurSensation de lourdeur éprouvée à la surface d’un astre très massif, comme la Terre ou la Lune. C’est aussi la force attractive exercée par un astre sur un corps posé à sa surface ou présent dans son atmosphère. Elle inclut la gravité de cet astre et l’effet de sa rotation sur lui-même.
Qu'est-ce que l'impesanteur ?
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PhotovoltaicTerm describing solar panels or solar cells which directly convert light into electricity.
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pitchMotion of a body around its pitch axis, usually perpendicular to the roll axis. The pitch axis may be perpendicular to a spacecraft’s plane of symmetry or to the plane of its trajectory.
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planetCelestial body that does not emit its own light and orbits the Sun or another star.
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planetologyScience dedicated to studying the physical properties of planets and their natural satellites.
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plasmaGas whose atoms are completely ionized and therefore consists of ions, electrons and atomic nuclei. It is estimated that 99% of matter in the Universe is in the form of plasma.
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plate-forme busPlate-forme standard utilisable pour des missions différentes.
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polarDescribes a satellite or the orbit of a satellite that passes over the Earth’s poles.
What is an orbit?
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polar orbit
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polarimeterInstrument designed to measure rotation of the plane of polarization of light when it passes through certain substances.
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polarizationProperty of certain electromagnetic waves, especially light waves, in which vibrations may be oriented in one or more particular directions.
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precessionSlow, natural shifting of the plane of an orbit over time. For example, precession of the Earth is due to flattening at the poles and its equatorial “bulge” (the radius at the equator is 20 km larger than at the poles).
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pressurizeTo produce and maintain a set pressure inside a chamber, for example, inside the flight deck of a spacecraft.
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Prime contractorOrganization with contractual responsibility for managing all activities that contribute to the execution of a product. The prime contractor is ultimately responsible for quality, schedules and prices.
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propellantOxidizer or fuel used by a rocket engine.
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propergolProduit composé d’un ou plusieurs ergols capables, par réaction chimique, de fournir l’énergie de propulsion d’un moteur-fusée.
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ProphylactoriumBuilding at Star City where cosmonauts are quarantined before and after a spaceflight.
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propulsionProduction of a force to propel a spacecraft.