Definition of "orbiter" []

• Something that orbits, especially a spacecraft that orbits a planet or moon without landing on it. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I stated that the development and production cost of Shuttle C would approach that of Ares V since the orbiter is an expendable vehicle."
• "Frank's note: The Shuttle arrangement whereby the orbiter is attached in essence to the first stage launch system s the worst of all possible worlds-I agree."
• "The advantage of a Mars orbiter is that it uses proven, existing technology and existing or near-term space products."