Orbital mechanics is the study of the motion of objects in space, particularly how they move around one another due to gravitational forces. It involves understanding the paths, or orbits, that celestial bodies like planets, moons, and satellites take as they travel through space. These orbits can be circular, elliptical, or parabolic, depending on the speed and direction of the objects involved. The principles of orbital mechanics are based on Newton's laws of motion and Kepler's laws of planetary motion. These laws help predict how objects will behave in space, allowing scientists and engineers to design spacecraft and plan missions, such as those to Mars or the International Space Station.