ScienceAugust 13, 2026
suborbital
sub-OR-bih-tul
Definition
Relating to a trajectory that reaches space but does not complete a full circuit around the Earth.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' or 'below,' combined with 'orbital,' referring to the path of an object circling a planet. It emerged in the mid-20th century to describe rocket-powered flights that lack sufficient speed to maintain an orbit.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the types of space tourism flights currently offered by private companies, which represent the initial phase of public access to space.
The Future of Space Tourism: Will Ordinary People Ever Travel Beyond Earth?
Read the full article ↗Vocal