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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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In orbit or on orbit?
Guest
1
2008/08/27 - 8:55am
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Whenever I watch a space shuttle launch, I notice that the NASA commentators use the phrase, "on orbit" when the shuttle has made it to space. However, most news outlets use, "in orbit" to describe the shuttle's location.

Which is correct?

Guest
2
2008/08/27 - 9:28am
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Both, perhaps?

Here's a link to usage in a recent novel: Orbit, by John J. Nance.

Google hits for "on orbit" appear to skew heavily to pages related to NASA and space.

Dan Heim
3
2008/09/03 - 2:18pm
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You know, I noticed that terminology starting up some time ago ... maybe 5-10 years. I don't like "on orbit." I agree that an astronaut is "in orbit." Funny thing is how this migrated to other areas as well. I hear weather people say things like "12 inches of rain on the year" and sportscasters say "150 yards on the half." Strange how the language can morph like, sometimes for no apparent good reason (like in this case).

Jeeeez ... another math test. I gotta figure out how to register here.

Martha Barnette
San Diego, CA
820 Posts
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4
2008/09/05 - 1:47pm
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Thanks for pointing this out, BC12D. I'd missed that particular phrase. Wonder if NASA has a specific technical reason for saying it that way?

I'm with Dan -- "in orbit" sounds better to my ear. (But then, I'm not from New York and if I have to wait for other people to be served first, I much prefer to stand "in line," not "on line."

Martha Barnette
San Diego, CA
820 Posts
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5
2008/09/05 - 1:49pm
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Thanks for pointing this out, BC12D. I'd missed this. Wonder if NASA has some particular technical reason to say it this way?

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