Energy needed to launch a spaceship into Space

In summary, the given problem involves calculating the energy needed to send a spaceship from the surface of a planet to a height of 100 km above the surface. The relevant variables are the mass and radius of the planet, the gravitational constant, and the mass of the spaceship. One approach is to calculate the potential energy of the spaceship at the desired height, assuming it has zero velocity upon reaching that height. The formula for potential energy can be found in the provided link. However, the exact state of the spaceship at that height (whether in orbit or falling back to earth) is not specified. The OP is directed to repost their question in the appropriate forum and provide more information.
  • #1
IsakVern
8
0
A given planet has a mass, M = 6.42*10^23 kg,
and radius, R = 3.39 * 10^6 m.

The gravitational konstant is G = 6.67*10^-11

A spaceship with mass m = 4000 kg is launched from the planets surface.

How much energy is needed to send the spaceship to a height h = 100 km above the planets surface?
 
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  • #2
Hi Isak:

There are several ways to approach this problem. One way is to calculate the potential energy of the spaceship at the height of 100 km. That is the amount of energy that has to be added to get the spaceship to that height.

First, the problem statement is a bit unclear. What is the assumed state of the spaceship when it reaches a height of 100 km. Here are two possibilities:
a) the spaceship is in orbit around the planet.
b) the spaceship has zero velocity and will begin its fall back to earth.​

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Buzz
 
  • #3
The assumed state of the spaceship is that it has zero velocity when it reaches 100 km.
 
  • #4
IsakVern said:
The assumed state of the spaceship is that it has zero velocity when it reaches 100 km.
Hi Isak:

In that case I suggest you calculate the potential energy. You might find the following of some use. See the formula in the second box.
You may find the minus sign puzzling. If so, see what your textbook says about potential energy.

Regards,
Buzz
 
  • #5
IsakVern said:
A given planet has a mass, M = 6.42*10^23 kg,
and radius, R = 3.39 * 10^6 m.

The gravitational konstant is G = 6.67*10^-11

A spaceship with mass m = 4000 kg is launched from the planets surface.

How much energy is needed to send the spaceship to a height h = 100 km above the planets surface?
Thread is locked.

@IsakVern -- All schoolwork problems go in the Homework Help forums, and you are required to show your work before we can offer tutorial help. Please re-post in the Homework Help, Introductory Physics forum, and fill out the Homework Help Template you are provided there. This includes sections on the Relevant Equations and your Attempt at a Solution.

@Buzz Bloom -- Please do not reply to misplaced schoolwork questions, especially when the OP shows zero effort in their post. Please click the Report link on their post instead, and ask the Mentors to deal with the post. Thanks.
 

What is the energy required to launch a spaceship into space?

The amount of energy required to launch a spaceship into space varies depending on the size and weight of the spacecraft, as well as the distance and speed at which it needs to travel. However, on average, it takes about 16 million joules of energy to launch a 1,000-kilogram spaceship into low Earth orbit.

What is the source of energy used to launch a spaceship into space?

The primary source of energy used to launch a spaceship into space is chemical energy. This is typically obtained from rocket fuel, which is a combination of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen. When these two substances are ignited, they undergo a chemical reaction that produces a large amount of energy, propelling the spacecraft into space.

How does the amount of energy needed to launch a spaceship into space compare to other forms of energy?

The amount of energy needed to launch a spaceship into space is significantly higher than the energy needed for most other activities on Earth. For example, launching a 1,000-kilogram spacecraft into low Earth orbit requires about 160 times more energy than what is needed to power a typical household for a year.

What factors affect the amount of energy needed to launch a spaceship into space?

As mentioned before, the size and weight of the spacecraft, as well as the distance and speed at which it needs to travel, are the main factors that affect the amount of energy needed for a launch. Other factors that can impact the energy requirements include the efficiency of the rocket engine and external factors such as wind and atmospheric conditions.

How is the energy used to launch a spaceship into space calculated?

The energy used to launch a spaceship into space is typically calculated using the rocket equation, which takes into account the mass of the spacecraft, the amount of fuel used, and the exhaust velocity of the rocket engine. This equation is used to determine the amount of energy needed to achieve a specific velocity or orbit, and to optimize the design of spacecraft and rocket engines for efficient launches.

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