First privately developed orbital launch vehicle, launched in 1990. Carries up to 443 kg payload into low Earth orbit. Consists of three solid propellant stages and optional fourth stage. Mass: 18,500 kg (Standard), 23,130 kg (Pegasus XL)
Geoid is the shape of Earth's ocean surface without wind and tide effects. It extends through continents and is irregular but smooth. Geoid's deviation from ellipsoid ranges from +85m to -106m
Earth observation satellites collect imagery and measurements of Earth's surface. Used for monitoring weather, climate change, and natural disasters. Provide information for various scientific disciplines. Include passive and active remote sensors
Orbit is the curved trajectory of objects around a central body. Planets and satellites typically follow elliptical orbits with Sun at one focus. Newtonian mechanics provides accurate orbits for most situations. Einstein's relativity theory explains orbits through spacetime curvature
Guide provides comprehensive overview of spacecraft attitude support activities. Written by 35 technical staff members of Computer Sciences Corporation. Primarily focuses on unmanned, Earth-orbiting spacecraft. Uses standard notation for spacecraft orientation and attitude measurements
SAR uses radar pulses to create high-resolution images through clouds and darkness. Technology works by sending coherent x-band microwaves at 3 cm wavelength. SAR measures range, brightness, and phase of each wavelength