TLI
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Astronomy & Space
| Stands for | Trans-lunar injection |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
TLI stands for Trans-lunar injection, an astronomy & Space abbreviation.
Engine burn that accelerates a spacecraft from Earth orbit onto a trajectory toward the Moon, adding about 3 kilometers per second of velocity. On Apollo missions the Saturn V's third stage performed TLI roughly two and a half hours after launch.
Example: "You are go for TLI," Mission Control told the Apollo 8 crew on December 21, 1968.
Usage notes
Apollo 8's TLI made its crew the first humans to leave Earth orbit. A similar trans-Mars injection (TMI) sends spacecraft toward Mars. Modern missions sometimes use slower, low-energy trajectories that take months but save propellant.
Related abbreviations
More astronomy & Space abbreviations
- SMBH – Supermassive black hole
- SN – Supernova
- SOHO – Solar and Heliospheric Observatory
- SRB – Solid rocket booster
- SSO – Sun-synchronous orbit
- TESS – Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite
- TNO – Trans-Neptunian object
- UAP – Unidentified anomalous phenomena
- UFO – Unidentified flying object
- VLA – Very Large Array
- VLT – Very Large Telescope
- WD – White dwarf