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relativity

(Encyclopedia)relativity, physical theory, introduced by Albert Einstein, that discards the concept of absolute motion and instead treats only relative motion between two systems or frames of reference. One consequ...

rocket, in aeronautics

(Encyclopedia)CE5 Relative positions of the components of the Saturn V rocket, the U.S. space vehicle used in the moon missions rocket, any vehicle propelled by ejection of the gases produced by combustion of s...

Jupiter, in astronomy

(Encyclopedia)Jupiter jo͞oˈpətər [key], in astronomy, 5th planet from the sun and largest planet of the solar system. Astronomers have discovered 79 satellites orbiting Jupiter, but five of those, small sate...

Behrman, S. N.

(Encyclopedia)Behrman, S. N. (Samuel Nathaniel Behrman) bârˈmən [key], 1893–1973, American dramatist, b. Worcester, Mass., grad. Harvard 1916. His sophisticated comedies often attempt to probe the consciences ...

Antequera y Castro, José de

(Encyclopedia)Antequera y Castro, José de hōsāˈ dā äntākāˈrä ē käˈstrō [key], 1690–1731, Peruvian lawyer, leader of a revolt in Paraguay. A prosecutor of the audiencia of Charcas, he was sent to Asu...

ISS

(Encyclopedia)International Space Station: see space exploration; space station. ...

Tiangong 1 & 2

(Encyclopedia)Tiangong, Chinese space station: see space exploration; space station. ...

Salyut

(Encyclopedia)Salyut, Soviet space station: see space exploration; space station. ...

Challenger

(Encyclopedia)Challenger, U.S. space shuttle. It exploded (Jan. 28, 1986) 73 seconds into its tenth flight, killing all seven crew members, including the first civilian in space, schoolteacher Christa McAuliffe. Th...

Glenn, John Herschel, Jr.

(Encyclopedia)Glenn, John Herschel, Jr., 1921–2016, American astronaut and politician, b. Cambridge, Ohio. On Feb. 20, 1962, he became the first American and the third person to orbit the earth, circling the glob...