Which term describes the closest point of an orbiting satellite to the Earth?

The term that describes the closest point of an orbiting satellite to the Earth is "perigee." This term originates from the Greek words "peri," meaning near, and "ge," meaning Earth. In the context of an orbit, it specifically refers to the point in the elliptical trajectory of a satellite where it is nearest to the Earth. Understanding this concept is crucial for various applications, including satellite communication, remote sensing, and understanding the orbital mechanics involved in space mission planning.

In contrast, apogee refers to the farthest point from the Earth in an orbit. Periapsis is a more general term that can refer to the closest point in any orbit, regardless of the central body, but it is not specific to Earth as perigee is. Orbit, while relevant to the motion of satellites, does not describe a specific point in that motion.