Astronomy: Orbit Terminology

[Pixelworks]

I am looking for the terms that describe, or rather differentiates the difference between the direction of orbit and the 'anti-orbit' direction.

If my understanding is correct, the terms retrograde and prograde motion both refer to the motion but only in regard to the body being orbited. E.g. the Earth's moon has a retrograde orbit around the Earth, but only because it orbits opposite the direction of the Earth's rotation. If for example the Earth would rotate in the opposite direction the same direction of orbit would be considered prograde. Correct?

If this is the case, what is the determining factor for satellites orbiting a body that does not rotate (i.e. a satellite orbiting the Earth's moon)?

The use-case that I am looking for is to describe the direction a spaceship is taking if it achieves escape velocity to leave a lunar orbit either in the moon's orbit direction or in the anti-orbit direction. If the terms retrograde and prograde are established and applied to the ship's heading (based on the body it is orbiting) then this terminology is still variable and could change depending on the direction of rotation. That is why if I am wondering if there are two other terms that are used specifically to indicate the direction of orbit and the anti-orbit direction.

Thank you for any insights.

 

[.Scott]

In this article, NASA refers to the leading part of ISS as the "forward end". So, I would guess the other end would be the "rearward" end.

 

[DaveC426913]

In this article, NASA refers to the leading part of ISS as the "forward end". So, I would guess the other end would be the "rearward" end.

Aft-end or stern.

 

[DaveC426913]

E.g. the Earth's moon has a retrograde orbit around the Earth, but only because it orbits opposite the direction of the Earth's rotation.

Moon revolves and rotates in the same direction as the Earth's rotation.

It just happens that the Earth rotates faster than the Moon revolves.

 

[.Scott]

I didn't address the term "retrograde" as it pertains to celestial motion.
The strictly scientific definition is provided in this wiki article.

However, the original astronomical meaning (from the 14th century) and still the more common meaning, is used to describe an apparent westward motion of a planet.

 

[.Scott]

Aft-end or stern.

I wouldn't use "stern" for this. "Stern" describes something that functions as a stern - not just its position. If you put a boat into orbit, its stern could be either the forward end or the aft end.