Dictionary of Space Concepts
The Dictionary of Space Concepts (DSC) provides not only the basis for the advanced English language classes of the Multilingualism Programme; it also serves as larger online support platform for all UNIVERSEH students, with the aim of training specific space terminologies across various fields connected to the space sector. The DSC combines core space concepts and with helpful illustrations, all in an open-project format, which is freely available to everyone inside and outside UNIVERSEH. We welcome your contributions, comments, and expertise!
Do you want to take part of developing the Dictionary of Space Concepts? Enrol in the Collaborative Dictionary of Space Concepts.
Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL
S
Spacecraft Propulsion | ||
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Short Definition: Spacecraft Propulsion is a method utilised to accelerate a spacecraft and artificial satellites. Different methods exist for this purpose, with each method having its advantages and drawbacks. Most spacecrafts nowadays are propelled by what is called a rocket engine, which propels the space probe by heating the reaction mass and allowing it to eject out from the rear of the vehicle. Detailed Definition: A spacecraft propulsion system has the purpose of changing the velocity (acceleration) of a spacecraft and artificial satellites. It is utilised to both leave earth and for orbit insertion. To launch a spacecraft from earth, the propulsion method must overcome a higher gravitational pull to provide a positive net acceleration. The difficulty of achieving this change is directly proportional to the size of the vehicle, which is why spacecraft performance is generally discussed in amount of change in momentum per unit of propellant consumed, known as “specific impulse”. The higher the specific impulse, the better the efficiency. Once launched, satellites and spacecrafts may need to be moved between orbits, thus requiring propulsion. When a satellite has exhausted its ability to adjust its orbit, its useful life is over. The methods areas are divided into four groups: (1.) chemical propulsion (reaction and rocket engines), (2.) electric propulsion (ion, electrothermal and electromagnetic thrusters), (3.) advanced propulsion technologies and (4) supporting technologies. Etymology:
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Links to Videos/Articles: Space Propulsion: a Survey Study About Current and Future Technologies. DOI: 10.5028/jatm.v10.829 | ||
T
Tektite | ||
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tektite#/media/File:Two_tektites.JPG Short definition: Tektites are small pieces of natural glass that are typically black, green, brown, or grey in color. They are created when meteorites impact the Earth and cause terrestrial debris to be ejected and melted into a glass-like material. Detailed Definition: A tektite is a type of glass that is formed from the impact of a meteorite on the Earth's surface. The extreme heat and pressure of the impact melts and vaporizes the rocks at the impact site, which then cools and solidifies into a glass-like material. Tektites are typically black or green in color and have a smooth, rounded shape. They can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Tektites are found in the areas around meteorite impact craters, and are used by scientists to study the effects of meteorite impacts on the Earth's surface. Etymology: tēktós - molten Sample Sentence(s): "Sir Thomas Mitchell found a tektite and gave it to Charles Darwin." "Some human built objects, such as black buttons, can be mistaken for tektites." Translations: French: Tectite German: Tektit Polish: Tektyt Swedish: Tektit Links to videos/articles: https://australian.museum/learn/minerals/shaping-earth/tektites/ https://www.britannica.com/science/tektite | ||
Telescope | ||||||||||
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Image/Video/Audio: Image/Video/Audio Source: Short Definition:
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Translations of Terms/Concepts into Partner Languages [Multiple fields for entering the translation of the term in each partner language, additional languages can potentially be added, e.g. Russian, Chinese, Portuguese] French:
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Test | ||
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Test Tesnt | ||
The Kuiper belt | ||
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Image Source: Short Definition: Detailed Definition: Etymology: Kuiper – Dutch
– Kuiper - cooper – from the name of the scientist Gerard Kuiper Sample Sentence(s): French: German: Polish: Swedish: Spanish Links to Videos/Articles: https://theplanets.org/kuiper-belt/ | ||
The Solar System | |||
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Image Source: Short Definition: Detailed Definition: Etymology: Sample Sentence(s): French: Système solaire German: Układ Słoneczny Swedish: Solsystem Spanish:El sistema solar Links to Videos/Articles: | |||
Twilight | ||
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Image/Video/Audio Source: Short definition: Twilight is the period after sunset when the Earth is illuminated by sunlight diffused in the atmosphere. The following twilight phases are distinguished: civil twilight, nautical twilight and astronomical twilight. The only difference between twilight phases is where the Sun is located, which makes the sky gets darker. When the Sun is up to 6° below the horizon, it is considered a civil twilight. When the Sun is between 6° and 12° below the horizon, it is said to be a nautical twilight. An astronomical twilight is when the Sun is located from 12° to 18° below the horizon. When Sun position is over 18° below the horizon line, it is considered as night. Etymology: late Middle
English: from Old English twi- ‘two’ (used in an obscure sense in this
compound) Sample Sentence(s): French: Le crépuscule German: Zmierzch Swedish: Skymning Spanish: El crepúsculo Links to Videos/Articles: | ||
U
Umbra | ||
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Source: Short definition: The umbra is the innermost and darkest part of a shadow, where light is completely blocked by an object. In the context of astronomy, the umbra is often observed during a solar eclipse, when the Moon's shadow is cast on the Earth. Detailed Definition: The Umbra is the innermost and darkest part of a shadow. It is the area where light is completely blocked by an object, such as a planet or moon. When a celestial body, passes between a star and another celestial body, it can cast a shadow on that body. The umbra is the part of the shadow that is directly behind the blocking body. The lighter part of the shadow - penumbra, is the area where only part of the light is blocked. The umbra and penumbra can be observed during a solar eclipse, when the Moon's shadow is cast on the Earth. Etymology: Umbra (Latin) - shadow Sample Sentence(s): "Terms "umbra" and "penumbra" are not limited to celestial bodies, they occur in shadows of everyday objects." "During solar eclipse, when an observer stands in umbra, dusk seems to set from all directions on the horizon at once." Translations: German: Umbra Polish: Umbra Links to videos/articles: https://www.universetoday.com/155274/astronomy-jargon-101-umbra/ | ||
V
Vacuum | ||
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Image:
Source: https://www.metabunk.org/attachments/metabunk-2018-10-31-08-37-23-jpg.34929/ Short Definition: A vacuum is a space in which there is no matter such as gas or particles. It is found in space or can be generated by machines. Detailed Definition: Space that does not contain any gas inside its boundaries. However, it is also required that there is not any matter in general in either state such as gas, liquid, or solid, among other complex definition states. Even though the vacuum is found naturally in space, it is used on earth for different machines such as vacuum pumps, and vacuum chambers, among others. Etymology: Vacum comes from the latin Vacuus, which means empty. Sample Sentence(s): Life cannot be found or developed in the vacuum of space. The dead body astronaut rambled in the vacuum of space. Translations of Terms/Concepts into Partner Languages French: vide German: Vakuum Polish: próżnia Swedish: svenska Links to Videos/Articles: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365382138_A_Review_of_Research_on_the_Vacuum_Plume DOI: 10.3390/aerospace9110706 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E43-CfukEgs&ab_channel=BBC | ||
