orbiter

[ awr-bi-ter ]

noun

, U.S. Aerospace.

1. Also called space shuttle orbiter. the crew- and payload-carrying component of the space shuttle.
2. a space probe designed to orbit a planetary body or moon.

orbiter

/ ˈɔːbɪtə /

noun

1. a spacecraft or satellite designed to orbit a planet or other body without landing on it Compare lander

Word History and Origins

Origin of orbiter¹

An Americanism dating back to 1950–55; orbit + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The mission plans to study the atmosphere with an orbiter named Hope and its three key instruments.

From MIT Technology Review

Another mission, the Europa Clipper, that’s already underway will take higher-resolution images when the orbiter visits the Jovian moon later this decade, which should help clarify the issue.

From Science News

The samples were stored on an ascent vehicle that brought them back to an orbiter on December 6.

From MIT Technology Review

Researchers led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency have already developed designs and demonstrated an orbiter system which should be able to do this.

From Singularity Hub 

Once the material is scooped up, the sample will be stored onto an ascent vehicle that will ferry it back to the orbiter flying above.

From MIT Technology Review

However, the probe stayed in contact with the Rosetta orbiter and has already sent back some photos.

From The Daily Beast

The basic approach went as planned: after separating from the Rosetta orbiter, Philae coasted slowly to the comet surface.

From The Daily Beast