adjective · rare

suborbital

Not reaching orbit; having a trajectory that does not reach orbital velocity and so…Not reaching orbit; having a trajectory that does not reach orbital velocity and so must return to ground eventually.

Meaning

2 senses

(not comparable)Not reaching orbit; having a trajectory that does not reach orbital velocity and so must return to ground eventually.
The first rocket test was suborbital; it didn't even get off the ground but rather exploded on the launchpad.
suborbital
having or involving a trajectory of less than one orbit
(not comparable)Below the orbit of the eye.
situated on or below the floor of the eye socket