Glossary P

Physics is the natural science that studies matter,[a] its fundamental constituents, its motion and behavior through space and time, and the related entities of energy and force. Physics is one of the most fundamental scientific disciplines, with its main goal being to understand how the universe behaves. A scientist who specializes in the field of physics is called a physicist.

Physiology is the scientific study of functions and mechanisms in a living system.

In the Space industry context, "phytoplankton" may not directly relate to Space missions or Spacecraft Technology, but it plays a significant role in Earth observation and climate studies conducted from space. Phytoplankton are microscopic, photosynthetic organisms found in oceans and bodies of freshwater. They are crucial to the Earth's ecosystem, serving as the base of the aquatic food chain and playing a key role in the Carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide during Photosynthesis.

Deutsch: Huckepack / Español: A caballito / Português: Carona / Français: En piggyback / Italian: Trasporto secondario

Piggyback refers to the practice of launching a secondary payload alongside a primary payload on a single rocket. This method allows smaller satellites or scientific instruments to hitch a ride to space, sharing the launch costs and resources.

A piston is a component of reciprocating engines, reciprocating pumps, gas compressors, hydraulic cylinders and pneumatic cylinders, among other similar mechanisms.

In the aerospace context, pitch refers to the rotation of an aircraft or spacecraft around its lateral axis, which runs from the nose to the tail.

A Pitot tube is a measuring instrument used to measure fluid flow, and more specifically, used to determine airspeed on Aircraft. The Pitot tube is named after its inventor, Henri Pitot, and was modified to its modern form by Henry Darcy.

Deutsch: Planck / Español: Planck / Português: Planck / Français: Planck / Italian: Planck

Planck refers to the Planck satellite, a space observatory operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) with the primary mission of studying the cosmic microwave background (CMB) Radiation. Launched in 2009, it provided unprecedented insights into the early Universe's Composition, structure, and Evolution.

A planet is a large, gaseous, rocky body in outer space that circles around the sun or another star.

Deutsch: Planetare Exploration / Español: Exploración planetaria / Português: Exploração planetária / Français: Exploration planétaire / Italiano: Esplorazione planetaria

Planetary exploration refers to the systematic investigation of celestial bodies within our solar system, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, through robotic spacecraft, landers, rovers, and, in rare cases, crewed missions. This field combines engineering, planetary science, astrobiology, and remote sensing to expand human knowledge of the universe's formation, the potential for extraterrestrial life, and the resources available beyond Earth. As a cornerstone of space industry activities, planetary exploration drives technological innovation while addressing fundamental scientific questions about the origins and evolution of planetary systems.

Deutsch: Planeten-Schutz / Español: Protección planetaria / Português: Proteção planetária / Français: Protection planétaire / Italiano: Protezione planetaria

Planetary protection refers to the policies and practices aimed at preventing biological contamination of celestial bodies by Earth-based life forms and vice versa. This field is crucial in space exploration to preserve the scientific integrity of other planets and moons, as well as to protect Earth from potential extraterrestrial life forms. The principles of planetary protection are governed by international guidelines and are essential for maintaining the scientific value of space missions.

Deutsch: Planetenwissenschaft / Español: Ciencia planetaria / Português: Ciência planetária / Français: Science planétaire / Italiano: Scienza planetaria

Planetary science in the space industry context refers to the multidisciplinary study of planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other celestial bodies within and beyond our Solar System. It involves the investigation of their formation, evolution, geology, atmospheres, and potential for life. This field integrates astronomy, geology, chemistry, physics, and astrobiology to understand planetary systems and supports space exploration missions conducted by agencies like NASA, ESA, CNSA, and private companies.

Deutsch: Planetoid / Español: Planetoide / Português: Planetoide / Français: Planétoïde / Italiano: Planetoide

The term planetoid refers to a small celestial body orbiting the Sun, primarily composed of rock or metal, that does not meet the criteria for classification as a planet or a dwarf planet. Unlike comets, planetoids lack a significant coma or tail, even when approaching the Sun. Their study provides critical insights into the formation and evolution of the solar system, as well as potential resources for future space exploration.

English: Planing / Deutsch: Planung / Español: Planificación / Português: Planejamento / Français: Planification / Italiano: Pianificazione /

In aerospace, planing refers to the phenomenon in which an aircraft or other vehicle rises up and glides over the surface of water or other fluid, rather than submerging or penetrating through it.

In the aerospace context, plasma refers to a state of matter that is similar to a gas but has some of its atoms or molecules ionized, giving it unique electrical and magnetic properties. Plasmas are found in many environments in space, including the sun, stars, planets, and galaxies. They are also used in a variety of aerospace applications.

Deutsch: Kunststoff / Español: Plástico / Português: Plástico / Français: Plastique / Italiano: Plastica /

Plastic refers to a wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that are made from polymers, which are long chains of molecules that can be molded or shaped into a variety of forms. Plastics are widely used in the aerospace industry for a variety of purposes, including structural components, interior parts, and other applications.

Deutsch: Platin / Español: platino / Português: platina / Français: platine / Italian: platino

Platinum in the Space industry context refers to the precious Metal that is increasingly significant due to its unique properties and potential applications in various space-related technologies and missions. Its high resistance to Corrosion, excellent Conductivity, and catalytic properties make it a valuable material in spacecraft Design, fuel cells, and as a target for space mining initiatives.

Deutsch: Spieler / Español: Jugador / Português: Jogador / Français: Joueur / Italiano: Giocatore /

A player typically refers to a company or organization that is involved in the production, development, or operation of aerospace products or services. This could include companies that manufacture aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, or other aerospace products, as well as companies that provide services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), training, or Support.

English: Plume / Deutsch: Triebwerksstrahl / Español: Estela / Português: Pluma / Français: Panache / Italiano: Scia

In the Space industry context, a plume refers to the visible or invisible trail of gases and particles expelled by a Rocket or spacecraft engine during Operation. These plumes are a result of the Combustion process occurring in the engine, where Fuel and oxidizer react to produce Thrust, propelling the vehicle forward. The characteristics of a plume, such as its size, shape, and Temperature, can provide valuable information about the engine's Performance and efficiency.

Pluto is a dwarf planet in the Kuiper belt, a ring of bodies beyond the orbit of Neptune. It is the ninth-largest and tenth-most-massive known object to directly orbit the Sun.