Space ambient is a term that is largely synonymous and interchangeable with space music; however, while the latter term has a generally broader interpretation and is often applied as a descriptive term for music of a diverse range of genres, space ambient refers more precisely to a form of synthesizer-based, uplifting and relaxing music.
Like most genres of ambient music, space ambient most commonly lacks a linear structure, but unlike most others, space ambient is largely rooted in tonal music, and can oftentimes retain conventional melody and harmonies, though still remaining largely arrhythmic.
Space ambient is the sound of planetariums, stargazing and the queue area in Space Mountain. It is music for contemplating how small you really are.