Answer Altitude Questions on I.S.S., S.S., & Tracking Stations C & D

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the altitudes and distances related to the International Space Station (I.S.S.) and Space Shuttle (S.S.) in relation to tracking stations C and D. The I.S.S. is confirmed to have an altitude of 759.4 km, while the S.S. is at 777.135 km. The horizontal distance between the two vehicles is 120 km. Additionally, the distances from the tracking stations are 1395.98 km and 799.48 km for the I.S.S. to stations C and D, respectively, and 1509 km and 787.37 km for the S.S. to the same stations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic trigonometry, specifically the law of sines.
  • Familiarity with satellite altitudes and orbital mechanics.
  • Knowledge of distance measurement techniques in space contexts.
  • Ability to interpret diagrams related to spatial relationships.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the law of sines and its applications in calculating distances in space.
  • Explore the altitudes and orbits of other satellites and space vehicles.
  • Learn about the operational roles of tracking stations in satellite communications.
  • Investigate the methods for accurately measuring distances in space using triangulation.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, and anyone involved in satellite tracking and orbital analysis.

joejo
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Altitude Question...

Based upon the information provided on International Space Station (I.S.S.) and Space Shuttle (S.S.), and tracking stations C and D, answer following questions:
a) What are the altitudes of the space station and space shuttle?
b) How far apart are they? (horizontal distance)
c) How far is each space vehicle from each of the tracking stations?


I have attached a diagram below...


...and I have attached my answers as well in the next reply to this post...can someone please look them over...i've showed all my steps...

thanks
 

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i can't attach my work...as the file is too big so I will just type my answers...

a)
altitude of space station 759.4km

altitude of space shuttle 777.135km


b)
hoizontal distance= 120km

c)

space station from tracking station C 1395.98km
space station from tracking station D 799.48km
space shuttle from tracking station C 1509km
space shuttle from tracking station D 787.37km
 
anyone please?!
 
The diagram is not up yet... it needs to be authorized by the admins.
You may want to upload it to Imageshack.us - it's a free image upload thing...
 
admin approve my diagram
 
im sure he's rushing to it right now...
and posting your work isn't really helpful since we don't know what the problem looks like.
 
joejo said:
i can't attach my work...as the file is too big so I will just type my answers...

a)
altitude of space station 759.4km

altitude of space shuttle 777.135km


b)
hoizontal distance= 120km

c)

space station from tracking station C 1395.98km
space station from tracking station D 799.48km
space shuttle from tracking station C 1509km
space shuttle from tracking station D 787.37km
All are pretty close (accounting for rounding) .

Edit: b is correct, too.
 
Last edited:
thanks bob
 
I take it you used the law of sines ... many times?
 
  • #10
yup...why is there something wrong with using the sine law
 

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