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

In 2022, construction began on a new 200-foot-high building at the space center that would house the orbiter and tank upright. — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 24 June 2026

The Endeavour orbiter, named after a ship captained by James Cook in 1768, was largely built by Rockwell in Palmdale, with parts provided from many places. — Marla Jo Fisher, Daily News, 24 June 2026

The first of those missions is a Mars science and telecommunications orbiter mission planned for late 2028. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 19 June 2026

Beyond offering a final glimpse of the orbiter, any successful observation could provide investigators with additional clues about the spacecraft's final movements. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 17 June 2026

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