Space Exploration Glossary

noun a type of propulsion in which a jet of fluid is used to propel a vehicle forward

• Jet propulsion is the method of creating thrust by expelling high-velocity jets of gas.
• Planes with jet propulsion can fly really fast.
• That car has some serious jet propulsion under the hood.
• Her determination was like jet propulsion, propelling her towards her goals at full speed.

noun the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is nearest to the earth.

• The perigee is the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is nearest to the earth.
• The satellite will be closest to the earth at perigee.
• When the moon is at perigee, it looks huge in the sky!
• Reaching the perigee of his career, he was at the peak of success.

noun a force that drives something forward

verb to drive or push something forward

• The new engine design is expected to greatly propel the spacecraft forward.
• The strong winds helped propel the sailboat across the lake.
• He really knows how to propel himself to the top of the class.
• Her passion for music helped propel her career to new heights.

noun A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'solar system' is a noun referring to a collection of planets and other celestial bodies that orbit around a star, such as our sun.

• The solar system consists of the sun and all the celestial objects that orbit around it.
• Did you know that Pluto used to be considered the ninth planet in our solar system?
• I heard Mercury is the hottest planet in the solar system.
• Exploring the vastness of the solar system is like discovering a whole new world.