Definitions for "Aerobraking"
the use of atmospheric drag to slow a spacecraft
the process of reducing the initial elliptical orbit of a spacecraft around a planet to a nearly circular orbit by dipping the spacecraft into the uppermost atmosphere at the closest approach to the planet (periapsis). The drag created on the spacecraft during each pass progressively reduces the distance between the spacecraft and the planet at the farthest point in the orbit (apoapsis) until the orbit becomes nearly circular.
Procedure in which a spacecraft uses atmospheric drag forces to slow down.
A method of decreasing speed by increasing air-resistance. In a lander, this is accomplished by opening plates that increase the air-resistance.