Can an Artificial Satellite Move Opposite in a Geostationary Orbit?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of placing an artificial satellite in a geostationary orbit while moving in the opposite direction to existing geostationary satellites. Participants explore the implications of orbital mechanics, speed requirements, and the effects of air resistance at different altitudes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the speed required for an artificial satellite in orbit is given by v=√(GM/(R+h)), and questions whether this speed applies if the satellite moves in the opposite direction to geostationary satellites.
  • Another participant agrees that it is possible to set a satellite in the opposite direction but emphasizes that it would not be geostationary due to the direction of motion.
  • A different participant suggests that while the speed v=√(GM/(R+h)) might apply to both directions, air resistance would differ significantly between the two cases, affecting the overall dynamics of the satellite's motion.
  • One participant challenges the previous claims by stating that air resistance is accounted for in satellite launches and that booster rockets are typically used to achieve the desired orbit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of air resistance and the feasibility of achieving a stable orbit for a satellite moving in the opposite direction. There is no consensus on the impact of air resistance or the necessity of booster rockets in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the height of geostationary orbits and the influence of air resistance at various altitudes, indicating that assumptions about atmospheric conditions may affect the discussion.

luckis11
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Helpful notes:
The speed v=√(GM/(R+h)) which is required for an artificial satellite to be set at orbit, is one that its Δx is drawn on the reference frame (call it FR2) that does not move together with the self-rotating movement of the earth. Because whereas it has the speed v=√(GM/(R+h)), the Δx of its speed which is drawn on the reference frame (call it FR1) that moves together with the self-rotating movement of the earth, is zero.
The geostationary orbit can only happen at the height of ~35,000km above the ground (see http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/ask_astro/answers/970408d.html).

My question is:
Is it possible to set an artificial satellite at an orbit at the geostαtionary height (35,000), and the direction of its motion (its motion Δx that is drawn on the FR2) to be the opposite of the geostationary satellites? (It IS possible as it seems at the moving drawing at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite). If-since it is possible, then the speed that it must have is again v=√(GM/(R+h))?
 
Last edited:
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luckis11 said:
Is it possible to set an artificial satellite at an orbit at the geostαtionary height (35,000), and the direction of its motion (its motion Δx that is drawn on the FR2) to be the opposite of the geostationary satellites?

Of course. But it won't be geostationary, since it's going in the wrong direction.
 
The answer I ended up with so far, is:
The speed required should or might be v=√(GM/(R+h) for both cases of a satellite which moves at the same direction as the self-rotation of the earth, and of a sattellite moving at the opposite direction. But providing initial speed v=√(GM/(R+h) alone, cannot result in an orbit for both cases, because the air resistance those two meet, is not the same. And that air resistance difference is not small. The motion of the air drawn on FR2 at sea level is a wind of 465metres/sec=1,674km/hour. Same speed drawn on FR2=>different speed drawn on FR1=> different speed in relation to the air. Now, at the height of the geostationaries 35,000km, the air or eather resistance might be almost zero, but the v=√(GM/(R+h) refers to all heights.
 
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Huh? Rocket scientists do not overlook air resistance in satellite launches. They also generally include booster rockets on the payload to nudge satellites into the desired orbit.
 

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