Orbital and Suborbital Travel: The Main Difference
A spacecraft can reach a high altitude without entering orbit. The key difference is its path and the speed needed to follow it. Our original article introduced these terms as interest in commercial spaceflight grew.
In an orbital flight, a spacecraft travels fast enough sideways to keep falling around Earth. However, a suborbital trajectory returns towards the surface without establishing that continuing orbit. Therefore, reaching space and reaching orbit are different achievements.
How a Suborbital Journey Works
Orbital and suborbital travel can both include periods of weightlessness. A short suborbital journey follows an arc before returning to Earth. For example, passengers may float during the free-fall portion of the flight.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard overview describes an approximately 11-minute suborbital experience. Meanwhile, other vehicles use different designs and profiles. There is no single maximum speed that defines every suborbital mission.
Orbital and Suborbital Travel: Understanding Orbit
Orbit requires both altitude and horizontal velocity. NASA’s flight-to-orbit guide explains how those factors work together. In particular, the speed needed for an orbit depends on its altitude.
A spacecraft in orbit still feels Earth’s gravity. Instead of falling straight to the ground, it keeps falling around the planet. The spacecraft, people and objects aboard fall together, which creates the appearance of floating. Read NASA’s microgravity explanation for more detail.
Comparing the Experiences
Orbital and suborbital travel involve different mission durations and technical demands. A short flight arc can provide a brief view of Earth and moments of weightlessness. In contrast, an orbital mission can remain above Earth for much longer.
Nevertheless, reusability depends on the vehicle design rather than simply whether a flight is orbital. To explore more spaceflight stories, browse RocketBreaks news. Alternatively, discover our Earth-based space experiences to connect with space closer to home.