Orbital mechanics is the study of the movement of celestial bodies or artificial spacecraft around another massive object under the influence of gravity. It is governed by classical mechanics, specifically analyzing the interplay between gravitational force and inertia. The principles describe how objects follow predictable paths—such as ellipses or circles—around a central point of mass. These calculations require solving complex dynamical systems, often simplified by assuming two dominant masses. Understanding orbital mechanics is crucial for predicting trajectories, designing spacecraft maneuvers, and calculating the precise timing required for interactions between objects in space.