#orbits

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How aerobraking reshapes a spacecraft's orbit

Aerobraking uses brief passes through the thin upper atmosphere of a planet to reduce a spacecraft's orbital energy. Atmospheric drag lowers the farthest part of its orbit over repeated passes. It can save propellant, but the trajectory must limit heating and forces while accounting for changes in atmospheric density.

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saturn

Saturn's rings are countless orbiting pieces

Saturn's bright rings are made of numerous particles, mostly water ice, ranging from tiny grains to much larger chunks. Each particle follows an orbit rather than belonging to one solid disc. Interactions with moons and other particles help create gaps, waves and sharply defined structures within the rings.

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