ScienceJuly 18, 2026

deceleration

/diːˌsɛləˈreɪʃən/

Definition

The act of reducing the speed or velocity of an object, in this context referring to the mechanical process used to slow down a space capsule during descent.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Latin 'decelerare', combining 'de-' (down or away) and 'celerare' (to hasten). It entered English in the 19th century as a technical term for slowing or reducing the speed of a moving body.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the parachute-based technology developed by ISRO for the Gaganyaan mission. It highlights a critical hardware component used to safely slow down spacecraft returning from orbit.

ISRO is losing scientists to private space sector. How NASA solved this problem 40 years ago

Read the full article ↗

ThePrint

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