Rocket Launch (1 Viewer)

Khan.Paki

Member
Joined
Jul 23, 2007
Messages
97
Gender
Male
HSC
2015
Can anyone please guide me with this question;

Analyse the factors that rocket scientists must take into consideration when launching a satellite into a geostationary orbit. [7M]

Thanks
 

rand_althor

Active Member
Joined
May 16, 2015
Messages
554
Gender
Male
HSC
2015
Things they would have to consider:
  • Achieving the correct altitude and orbital velocity required for a geostationary orbit
  • Ensuring the satellite is placed above the equator
  • Ensuring the rocket is launched from east to west so that it orbits in the same direction as Earth
  • Make sure the rocket has enough fuel to orbit
 

Khan.Paki

Member
Joined
Jul 23, 2007
Messages
97
Gender
Male
HSC
2015
Can you please explain why correct altitude and orbital velocity is required?
 

rand_althor

Active Member
Joined
May 16, 2015
Messages
554
Gender
Male
HSC
2015
There is a specific radius required for a geostationary orbit. You can find this using Kepler's 3rd Law , by letting T equal 24 hours (convert to seconds). There is also a specific velocity required to attain this specific radius. You can calculate this using the formula for orbital velocity . As astroman said, given they are moving at the correct velocity and have the correct orbital period, the satellite will be seen as stationary relative to observers on Earth.
 
Last edited:

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Top