Calculate Perigee Apogee Ratio for Satellite in Earth's Orbit

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the perigee-apogee speed ratio (Vp/Va) for a satellite in Earth's orbit with specific parameters: perigee at 475 km and apogee at 2265 km. The correct approach involves using the relationship between orbital speed and distance, specifically Vp/Va = sqrt(2265/475), yielding a ratio of approximately 2.184. Participants highlight the importance of understanding Kepler's laws of motion and the need to account for gravitational variations when calculating orbital speeds. The confusion arises from the interplay of orbital period and gravitational force, necessitating a clear application of the relevant equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kepler's laws of motion
  • Basic knowledge of orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with gravitational force equations
  • Ability to manipulate square root and ratio calculations
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  • Study the derivation of orbital speed formulas using gravitational equations
  • Learn about the eccentricity of elliptical orbits and its impact on speed
  • Research the implications of Kepler's third law on orbital periods
  • Explore the concept of gravitational variation with altitude
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Aerospace engineers, astrophysicists, and students studying orbital mechanics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those seeking to understand satellite dynamics and speed calculations in elliptical orbits.

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A satellite, placed into the Earth's orbit to investigate the ionosphere, had the following orbit parameters: perigee, 475 km; apogee, 2265 km (both distances above the Earth's surface); period, 112.7 min. Find the ratio vp/va of the speed at perigee to that at apogee.

I was told by someone that this ratio is equal to the inverse ratio of the distances. But the period is thrown in so I have no idea where to start on this one. I know this follows an elliptical shape but I still can't think of where to begin.

Can anyone give a first couple of steps to get me started?
Thanks
 
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Google Keplers laws of motion. He found that equal orbital areas are swept in equal time, and developed the math to explain it. Which still hols up well, unless looking at Mercury, but that's a later chapter.
 
ive done reasearch and i have notes but i can't seem to apply it properly, only post please if u can give me a concrete path to take or equation to use
 
Ok, if the research didn't help, try the following, assume that in both cases, that the orbit is circular where v^2/r=g. What results do you get for v in both cases?
 
denverdoc said:
Ok, if the research didn't help, try the following, assume that in both cases, that the orbit is circular where v^2/r=g. What results do you get for v in both cases?

v = sqrt(gr)

but then the ratio would be equal to sqrt(r1)/sqrt(r2) since g cancels,
is this right?
 
Post some numbers.
 
Vp/Va = sqrt(2265)/sqrt(475)
= 2.184

but sum1 told me before that
Vp/Va = 2265/475 (inverse ratio)

but i don't kno why the period is not a factor
 
because g is not constant. You need to correct for that first.
 
denverdoc said:
because g is not constant. You need to correct for that first.

o you oops i forgot
 
  • #10
i kno ur not supposed to give ppl direct answers on this, but I am super frustrated with this question so could sumbody please give me a big boost,
like just explain wut need to be equated together because all the hints make me more confused and with planetary motion there are too many equations and its rough enough trying to simplify them
i don't mind working hard for this question but i just need a good foundation to work with
 
  • #11
Perhaps someone else can help its a 3/2 power ratio, look into this link:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/orbit.htm
 
  • #12
ok I've seen the equations for kepplers laws, i just don't know where to get the velocity out of it
i know there is the equation with the squared equal to the cubed
but i have no clue where to get the velocity into the picture,
also do i need to find the eccentricity first
 
  • #13
sum1 please tell me the first few steps to follow in roder to solve this
 

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