Orbital calculations involve determining the paths that celestial bodies, such as planets and satellites, follow around larger objects like stars or planets. These calculations take into account factors like gravitational forces, velocity, and distance to predict the position and movement of these bodies over time. To perform orbital calculations, scientists use mathematical equations derived from Newton's laws of motion and Kepler's laws of planetary motion. These equations help in understanding how objects interact in space, allowing for accurate predictions of orbits, which is essential for missions involving spacecraft and satellites.