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

About 48 minutes after launch, the orbiter will seperate from the rocket to continue on its own independent voyage to the moon. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 26 Feb. 2025

And about two decades ago, the European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter observed noctilucent clouds on Mars and went on to make a systematic study. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 12 Feb. 2025

Beyond the lunar orbiters and rangers scattered across the moon’s surface that express scientific achievements, there are also artifacts of human culture. —Zachary Small, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2025

These orbiters will focus on mapping Mercury's surface, analyzing its magnetic field, and studying its polar regions in detail. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 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