Circumterrestrial

/ˌsɜːkəmtəˈrestriəl/ adjective

Definition

Existing or moving around the earth; relating to the space or region immediately surrounding the planet.

Etymology

From Latin circum- 'around' + terrestrial 'of the earth.' Related to circumterraneous but more scientific in tone. Used particularly in space science.

Kelly Says

Circumterrestrial space describes the region around Earth where satellites orbit—it's the domain of the International Space Station and thousands of other spacecraft. NASA scientists use this term to categorize space-based operations.

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