Central body
In astrodynamics a central body (
) is a body that is being orbited by an secondary body, or satellite (
).
The central body is properly referred to as the primary body.[1]
Under standard assumptions in astrodynamics:
- it is more massive than the secondary body (i.e.
), - The focus of its orbit is located at the barycenter of the two bodies.
See also
References
- ^ NASA "Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use" http://er.jsc.nasa.gov/SEH/p.html, retrieved 5/11/2010