Energy difference between orbits?

AI Thread Summary
To determine the energy required for the space shuttle to move from a 100 km to a 610 km orbit, the gravitational potential energy difference is calculated using the formula U = -Gm1m2/r. The initial and final gravitational potential energies are computed based on the Earth's mass and radius, along with the shuttle's mass at both altitudes. The calculations show a significant energy difference of approximately 292.79 billion joules. The kinetic energy required for the shuttle to achieve the new orbit is derived from this potential energy difference. Ultimately, the energy needed to boost the shuttle to the higher orbit is primarily the difference in gravitational potential energies.
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Homework Statement


The space shuttle is in a 100 km-high circular orbit. It needs to reach a 610 km-high circular orbit to catch the Hubble Space Telescope for repairs. The shuttle's mass is 6.50×104 kg.
How much energy is required to boost it to the new orbit?

Me(mass of earth) = 5.98E24 = 5980000000000000000000000
Re(radius of earth) = 6.37E6 = 6370000
G(gravitational constant) = 6.67E-11 = 0.0000000000667
hi = 100km = 100 000m
hf = 610km = 610 000m
m = 6.5E4 = 65000

Homework Equations


Ugi + Ki = Ugf + Kf
Ug = -Gm1m2/r
K = (1/2)m(v^2)

The Attempt at a Solution



Ugi + Ki = Ugf + Kf

Ugi + Ki = Ugf

Ugi - Ugf = -Ki

-Gm(Me) / (Re + hi) + Gm(Me)/(Re + hf) = -(1/2)m(vi^2)

GmMe = 25926290000000000000

Re + hi = 6470000

Re + hf = 6980000

- 4007154559505.4095826893353941267 + 3714368194842.4068767908309455587 = - (1/2)m(vi^2)

-292786364663.002705898504448568 = - (1/2)m(vi^2)

585572729326.005411797008897136 = m(vi^2)

9008811.2204000832584155214944 = (vi^2)

3001.4681774758304537554833575167

Ki = (1/2)(65000)(3001.4681774758304537554833575167)^2
 
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Is it just the difference in gravitational potential energies?

|Ugi - Ugf| = 292786364663.002705898504448568 ?
 
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