periapsis (technical)
[/ˌpɛriˈæpsɪs/]
nounfemininepl: periapses
periápside
1. The point in an orbit closest to the primary body being orbited; the minimum distance between an orbiting object and the body it orbits
The spacecraft reached periapsis when it was closest to the planet.
A nave espacial atingiu a periápside quando estava mais próxima do planeta.
2. In orbital mechanics, the lowest point of an elliptical orbit around any celestial body
At periapsis, the orbiting object has its highest velocity.
Na periápside, o objeto em órbita tem sua maior velocidade.
This is a specialized technical term primarily used in aerospace engineering, astronomy, and orbital mechanics. It is part of the standardized vocabulary of space agencies like NASA and ESA. The term derives from Greek 'peri' (near) and 'apsis' (arch or orbit). In Brazil, this term is predominantly used in academic and professional aerospace contexts, such as at INPE (Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais).
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