Definitions list
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telemetryInformation stream conveying data, transmitted by radio waves, from a spacecraft to Earth.
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telescopeOptical instrument with at least one mirror, used to observe distant objects, especially stars.
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telescopeOptical instrument used to magnify images of distant objects.
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telluricRefers to planets that share similarities with Earth, particularly its size, solid surface and relative proximity to the Sun. There are 4 telluric planets in the Solar System: Mercury, Venus, Earth itself and Mars.
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testActivity designed to measure and evaluate the characteristics of an element or item of equipment by subjecting it to specific environmental or operating conditions.
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test facilityTest installation used to study the behaviour and characteristics of spacecraft and systems. A test facility usually comprises a test rig or test stand, measuring instruments and safety systems.
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thermal protectionProtective coating that keeps the temperature inside a spacecraft within the required range for it to operate correctly.
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thrustForce produced by a booster. It is the result of the ejection of a large mass of gas at high velocity. Thrust is expressed in newtons (N). Tonnes (T) are sometimes incorrectly used as the unit of thrust but in fact indicate the equivalent mass that a force is capable of lifting.
How launchers work
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tidePeriodic variation in the level of the oceans due to the gravitational action of the Moon and Sun. The Earth’s surface also rises and falls imperceptibly under the same action, only to a much lesser extent. In astronomy, a tide denotes any of the cyclic deformations of one celestial body caused by the gravitational forces exerted by others. In some cases, these forces may tear small bodies apart (see Roche limit).
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tour à chute libreInstallation destinée à l’expérimentation en impesanteur.
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tracking radarRadar capable of keeping track of a spacecraft and locating it automatically.
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transmitterElectronic device generating electromagnetic waves that radiate out and can travel long distances.
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transmitter beaconDevice comprising a transmitter of electromagnetic waves, designed for location and data collection. For example, an Argos transmitter.
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transponder / repeaterDevice on a telecommunications satellite designed to amplify, transmit or regenerate radio signals collected by receiving antennas.
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transpondeurTerme à éviter. Utiliser répéteur.
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troposphereThe lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere. Its thickness varies from 6 km to 17 km. Temperature in the troposphere drops steadily as altitude increases, by 6°C per kilometre.
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TsUP flight control centreFlight control centre for Russian spacecraft, located in Kaliningrad, on the outskirts of Moscow.
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turbopumpSystem comprising rotating pumps and a turbine, often used in liquid-propellant rocket engines.