The branch of physics and astronomy that studies the motion and trajectories of spacecraft, satellites, and celestial bodies under the influence of gravity and other forces.
From 'astro-' (space/stars) + 'dynamics' (study of forces and motion). This field emerged as a distinct scientific discipline in the mid-20th century with the space program.
Without astrodynamics, we couldn't have landed humans on the Moon or sent Perseverance to Mars—it's the mathematical art of calculating gravitational slingshots and orbital transfers that make space exploration possible.
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