orbiter

noun

or·​bit·​er ˈȯr-bə-tər 

: one that orbits: such as

a

: a spacecraft designed to orbit a celestial body without landing on its surface

b

: space shuttle

Examples of orbiter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The module is carrying the mission’s two orbiters—ESA’s Mercury Planetary Orbiter and JAXA’s Magnetospheric Orbiter. —Amanda Kooser, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

The second priority identified in the most recent planetary decadal survey is an orbiter and atmospheric probe to explore Uranus and its icy moons. —Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 8 Jan. 2025

With that timeline, the European return orbiter could launch no earlier than 2030 and the lander/MAV no earlier than 2031, said Nicky Fox, who heads NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Jan. 2025

The photos were taken by the Chandrayaan 2 orbiter in April 2021 and were reshared on Curiosity’s X page – which posts about space exploration – on Wednesday. —Brie Stimson, Fox News, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

orbit entry 3 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

orbiter

noun

or·​bit·​er ˈȯr-bət-ər 

1

: one that orbits

2

: space shuttle