The ballistic category of atmospheric vehicles includes missiles, launch ve-

hicles, and entry capsules. Some missiles and launch vehicles incorporate fi ns

as aerodynamic stabilizing and control surfaces. The spacecraft are also catego-

rized according to their missions, such as low-earth orbit, medium-earth orbit,

geosynchronous orbit , lunar, and interplanetary spacecraft. Each mission is

defi ned by the payload, and orbital elements of the fi nal orbit. Of course, a

reusable launch vehicle, such as the space shuttle, is also a spacecraft with a

unique mission. -The ballistic category of atmospheric vehicles includes missiles, launch ve-

hicles, and entry capsules. Some missiles and launch vehicles incorporate fi ns

as aerodynamic stabilizing and control surfaces. The spacecraft are also catego-

rized according to their missions, such as low-earth orbit, medium-earth orbit,

geosynchronous　orbit ,　lunar,　and　interplanetary　spacecraft.　Each　mission　is

defi ned　by　the　payload, and　orbital elements　of　the　fi nal　orbit.　Of　course, a

reusable launch vehicle, such as the space shuttle, is also a spacecraft with a

unique mission.