orbiter

or·bit·er  (ôrb-tr)

n.

Something that orbits, especially a spacecraft that orbits a planet or moon without landing on it.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

orbiter - man-made equipment that orbits around the earth or the moon artificial satellite, satellite astronomy satellite - a satellite equipped with a telescope to observe infrared radiation communications satellite - an artificial satellite that relays signals back to earth; moves in a geostationary orbit equipment - an instrumentality needed for an undertaking or to perform a service solar array, solar battery, solar panel - electrical device consisting of a large array of connected solar cells ballistic capsule, space vehicle, spacecraft - a craft capable of traveling in outer space; technically, a satellite around the sun space laboratory, space platform, space station - a manned artificial satellite in a fixed orbit designed for scientific research sputnik - a Russian artificial satellite; "Sputnik was the first man-made satellite to orbit the earth" spy satellite - a satellite with sensors to detect nuclear explosions meteorological satellite, weather satellite - a satellite that transmits frequent picture of the earth below