orbiter

/ˈɔrbədər/

Other forms: orbiters

Definitions of orbiter

1. noun

   man-made equipment that orbits around the earth or the moon
   synonyms: artificial satellite, satellite

   types:

   astronomy satellite

   a satellite equipped with a telescope to observe infrared radiation

   communications satellite

   an artificial satellite that relays signals back to earth; moves in a geostationary orbit

   ballistic capsule, space vehicle, spacecraft

   a vehicle or device able to travel beyond Earth's atmosphere

   space laboratory, space platform, space station

   a manned artificial satellite in a fixed orbit designed for scientific research

   sputnik

   a Russian artificial satellite

   spy satellite

   a satellite with sensors to detect nuclear explosions

   meteorological satellite, weather satellite

   a satellite that transmits frequent picture of the earth below

   lander

   a space vehicle that is designed to land on the moon or another planet

   LEM, lunar excursion module, lunar module

   a spacecraft that carries astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back

   capsule, space capsule

   a spacecraft designed to transport people and support human life in outer space

   space shuttle

   a reusable spacecraft with wings for a controlled descent through the Earth's atmosphere

   spaceship, starship

   a vehicle designed for travel far outside Earth's atmosphere, such as to visit another planet (especially in science fiction)

   type of:

   equipment

   an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service