Locomotion in Space

Locomotion in space is movement through the space environment by spacecraft, astronauts, or other bodies, using propulsion or physical contact with surfaces.

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Rocket propulsion: A method of producing thrust by expelling propellant in the opposite direction of motion. Spacecraft use expelled propellant to change velocity where aerodynamic lift and drag are negligible.
Spacecraft propulsion: The methods and technologies used to change a spacecraft’s velocity. It encompasses the engines and propellant systems used for spaceflight.
Chemical rocket: A rocket engine that produces thrust by releasing energy through chemical reactions in propellant. It offers high thrust, unlike electric propulsion, but uses propellant less efficiently.
Apollo 11: The 1969 mission that first landed humans on the Moon and returned them safely to Earth. Its astronauts moved by spacecraft, lunar module, and foot travel across the surface.
Orbital mechanics: The study of how gravity governs the paths of objects in space. A spacecraft can move between places by changing its orbit rather than traveling in a straight line.
Extravehicular activity: Work performed by an astronaut outside a spacecraft while wearing a spacesuit. Astronauts use handholds, tethers, and maneuvering units to move during spacewalks.
Ion thruster: An electric propulsion engine that accelerates ions to produce low thrust with high propellant efficiency. Its gentle, sustained acceleration contrasts with the powerful brief thrust of chemical rockets.
Apollo Lunar Module: The spacecraft that carried Apollo astronauts between lunar orbit and the Moon’s surface. Its descent and ascent stages provided controlled transport between orbit and ground.
Reaction control system: A set of small thrusters that controls a spacecraft’s orientation and makes fine changes to its motion. Small, precisely directed impulses steer spacecraft and control their attitude.
Manned Maneuvering Unit: A nitrogen-propelled backpack that allowed astronauts to maneuver independently outside a spacecraft. It demonstrated untethered astronaut flight during spacewalks in the 1980s.