Breakdown of Ракета должна выйти на орбиту.
на
on, at / by (transport) / to (a place) / to (in answer to)
должен
must, have to (должен, должна, должны)
выйти
to exit, go out (pf) / to go beyond
ракета
rocket
Questions & Answers about Ракета должна выйти на орбиту.
Why does выйти, which normally means "to exit" or "go out", translate to "enter" in this sentence?
In Russian, reaching space or a specific trajectory is conceptualized as "stepping out" into the open or "going out" onto a path. Because of this, выйти на орбиту is the standard, fixed expression for "to enter orbit" or "to reach orbit."
Why is орбиту in the accusative case here instead of the prepositional case (на орбите)?
We use the accusative case (на орбиту) because the verb выйти implies motion towards a destination, answering the question "where to?" (куда?). If the rocket were already resting or flying around in space, you would use the prepositional case to show static location: Ракета находится на орбите (The rocket is in orbit).
Could должна mean something else besides "must" in this context?
Yes. While it often means "must," the short-form adjective должен/должна frequently expresses strong expectation or probability. Depending on the context of the launch, this sentence could also translate to "The rocket is supposed to enter orbit" or "The rocket should enter orbit."
Why is the perfective verb выйти used here instead of the imperfective выходить?
The perfective выйти is used because the sentence focuses on the successful completion and result of the action—actually securing a spot in orbit. Using the imperfective выходить would shift the focus to the ongoing, continuous process of the rocket climbing through the atmosphere.