In astrodynamics or celestial dynamics orbital state vectors (sometimes state vectors) are cartesian vectors of position and velocity that together with their time (epoch) uniquely determine the trajectory of a body in space.
Read more about Orbital State Vectors: Frame of Reference, Position Vector
Famous quotes containing the word state:
“Women who are either indisputably beautiful, or indisputably ugly, are best flattered upon the score of their understandings; but those who are in a state of mediocrity are best flattered upon their beauty, or at least their graces: for every woman who is not absolutely ugly, thinks herself handsome.”
—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)