Orbital insertion

Orbital insertion is a phase in space missions where a spacecraft transitions from a path through space to enter a stable orbit around a celestial body, like a planet or moon. This involves the spacecraft firing its engines at a calculated point to slow down enough to be captured by the body’s gravitational pull, allowing it to circle around rather than crash into it or drift away. Successful orbital insertion is crucial for missions aimed at conducting research or observations, as it enables the spacecraft to maintain a focused position for its scientific instruments.