apoapsis Definition
the point in an orbit around a planet or other celestial body where the orbiting object is farthest from the body being orbited.
Using apoapsis: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "apoapsis" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The spacecraft reached its apoapsis and began to descend back towards Earth.
Example
The satellite's apoapsis is over 50,000 kilometers from the surface of the planet.
Example
The apoapsis of Mars' orbit is approximately 249 million kilometers from the Sun.
Phrases with apoapsis
periapsis
the point in an orbit around a planet or other celestial body where the orbiting object is closest to the body being orbited
Example
The spacecraft will reach its periapsis in just a few hours.
the point in an orbit around the Sun where the orbiting object is farthest from the Sun
Example
The heliocentric apoapsis of Pluto's orbit is over 7 billion kilometers from the Sun.
the point in an orbit around the Earth where the orbiting object is farthest from the Earth
Example
The geocentric apoapsis of the Moon's orbit is approximately 405,500 kilometers from the Earth.
Origins of apoapsis
from Greek 'apo' meaning 'away from' and 'apsis' meaning 'arch'
Summary: apoapsis in Brief
'Apoapsis' [ey-poh-ap-sis] refers to the point in an orbit around a planet or other celestial body where the orbiting object is farthest from the body being orbited. This term is used in astronomy and space exploration, and is often paired with 'periapsis,' which is the point in an orbit where the orbiting object is closest to the body being orbited. Examples of usage include 'The spacecraft reached its apoapsis and began to descend back towards Earth.'
