Calculate Satellite Height Above Earth's Surface?

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter SashaDuma
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the height of a satellite above the Earth's surface given its orbital speed of 7600 m/s. The relationship between orbital velocity and orbital radius is defined by the equation v = SQRT(G.M/R), where G is the gravitational constant and M is the mass of the Earth. By rearranging this formula, one can compute the orbital radius (R) and subsequently determine the altitude by subtracting the Earth's radius from R. This method provides a clear and direct approach to satellite height calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational physics, specifically Newton's law of universal gravitation.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of orbital mechanics.
  • Knowledge of the gravitational constant (G) and Earth's mass (M).
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the gravitational constant (G) and its value in calculations.
  • Study the mass of the Earth (M) and its significance in orbital mechanics.
  • Explore the concept of orbital radius and its relationship to satellite altitude.
  • Learn about different types of orbits and their characteristics.
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, physics students, satellite communication professionals, and anyone involved in orbital mechanics and satellite design.

SashaDuma
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Calculate the height above the Earth's surface for a satellite with a speed of 7600 m/s?

How do i do it?
 
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What's the relationship between orbital radius and orbital velocity? You know the velocity, so compute the radius. Now, what's the relationship between orbital radius and altitude? Now that you know the orbital radius, you should be able to compute the altitude.
 
This is the relationship:

v=SQRT(G.M/R)

G: gravity constant
M: the Earth mass
R distant from the satellite to the Earth centre
 
Last edited:

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