Planetary Exploration Terms

verb Aerobraked is the past tense of the verb aerobrake, which means to use the resistance of a planet's atmosphere to slow down a spacecraft.

• The spacecraft successfully aerobraked in order to slow down and enter orbit around the planet.
• The spaceship used aerobraking to help it slow down and get into orbit around the planet.
• The shuttle did some fancy aerobraking to make a smooth landing on the moon.
• She aerobraked through the crowded room, gracefully maneuvering around obstacles.

noun aeroshells

• Aeroshells are designed to protect spacecraft during atmospheric entry.
• The aeroshells on that rocket look really cool.
• Check out the sleek aeroshells on that spaceship!
• Her tough exterior acted like aeroshells, shielding her from emotional harm.