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:
“The longer a woman remains single, the more apprehensive she will be of entering into the state of wedlock. At seventeen or eighteen, a girl will plunge into it, sometimes without either fear or wit; at twenty, she will begin to think; at twenty-four, will weigh and discriminate; at twenty-eight, will be afraid of venturing; at thirty, will turn about, and look down the hill she has ascended, and sometimes rejoice, sometimes repent, that she has gained that summit sola.”
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)