What does periapsis mean?
The point in the orbit of a celestial body at which it is closest to the body it is orbiting. In a hyperbolic trajectory, the point at which a celestial body is closest to the body it is approaching.
Example
"The spacecraft reached its periapsis and began its descent towards the planet's surface."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.