Noun
/ˈɔːrbɪtəl rɪˈfuːəlɪŋ/
"Orbital refueling" refers to the process of refueling spacecraft while they are in orbit around a celestial body, such as Earth. This technique is significant for extending the range and duration of space missions, allowing for more complex missions and the ability to transport larger payloads or maintain spacecraft in orbit for extended periods. The term is primarily used in technical discussions related to aerospace engineering and space exploration.
The usage frequency of "orbital refueling" is somewhat specialized and more prevalent in written contexts, such as academic papers, aerospace literature, and technical manuals, rather than in everyday spoken language.
Orbital refueling is essential for long-duration space missions.
(Orbital refueling es esencial para misiones espaciales de larga duración.)
The development of orbital refueling technology has revolutionized space exploration.
(El desarrollo de la tecnología de reabastecimiento orbital ha revolucionado la exploración espacial.)
During the mission, the astronauts will conduct orbital refueling to ensure they have enough fuel for their return trip.
(Durante la misión, los astronautas llevarán a cabo reabastecimiento orbital para asegurarse de tener suficiente combustible para su viaje de regreso.)
"Orbital refueling" is not commonly found as part of idiomatic expressions due to its highly technical nature. However, the concept of "refueling" can relate to idioms that involve replenishing or revitalizing something. Here are a few phrases with "refuel" used metaphorically:
After a long week of work, I need to refuel my energy with a weekend getaway.
(Después de una larga semana de trabajo, necesito reabastecer mi energía con una escapada de fin de semana.)
Taking a break to refuel my creative juices has made a significant difference in my writing.
(Tomar un descanso para reabastecer mi creatividad ha hecho una diferencia significativa en mi escritura.)
It's important to refuel your motivation if you want to succeed.
(Es importante reabastecer tu motivación si quieres tener éxito.)
A healthy diet can help refuel your body and mind for better performance.
(Una dieta saludable puede ayudar a reabastecer tu cuerpo y mente para un mejor rendimiento.)
Sometimes, you just need a vacation to refuel your zest for life.
(A veces, solo necesitas unas vacaciones para reabastecer tu entusiasmo por la vida.)
The term "orbital" derives from "orbit," which comes from the Latin word "orbis," meaning "circle." The term "refueling" combines "re-" (again) with "fuel," which originates from the Latin "focalis," meaning "related to a hearth or fire." Therefore, "orbital refueling" directly refers to the act of replenishing fuel in a circular path (or orbit) around a celestial body.
Synonyms: - In-orbit refueling - Spacecraft refueling - Aerial refueling (in broader contexts, typically used for aircraft)
Antonyms: - Fuel depletion - Fuel exhaustion