1. the point in the orbit of a spacecraft or satellite around the moon that is closest to the moon’s surface
Usage: astronomy

Examples

• The spacecraft reached perilune at an altitude of just 15 kilometers above the lunar surface.
• Mission control calculated the exact time when the probe would pass through perilune.
• At perilune, the satellite’s velocity was at its maximum due to the moon’s gravitational pull.
• The astronauts prepared for the critical engine burn that would occur at perilune.
• Scientists collected the most detailed surface images when the orbiter was at perilune.
• The mission required multiple perilune passes to complete the lunar mapping survey.