Find the apogee from v at perigee, perigee, g, and the radius of Earth

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the apogee and orbital period of a satellite given its perigee distance and tangential speed at perigee, without using the mass of the Earth. The constants provided are gravitational acceleration (g = 9.8 m/s²) and the Earth's radius (r_earth = 6380 km). The key equations involve the conservation of angular momentum and the relationship between gravitational parameters, leading to the conclusion that the gravitational parameter (μ) can be derived from g and r_earth. This allows for the application of standard orbital motion equations to find the required values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and satellite motion
  • Familiarity with gravitational parameters and their calculations
  • Knowledge of angular momentum conservation principles
  • Basic proficiency in using formulas related to eccentricity and orbital periods
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  • Study the derivation of the gravitational parameter (μ = GM) using g and r_earth
  • Learn about the equations governing satellite motion, including the vis-viva equation
  • Explore the concept of orbital eccentricity and its impact on satellite trajectories
  • Investigate the calculation of orbital periods for elliptical orbits
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Aerospace engineers, astrophysicists, and students studying orbital mechanics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in satellite dynamics and gravitational calculations.

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Homework Statement


Satellite orbits the Earth and its perigee r_min and tangential speed at perigee v_pe are given. The problem says do not use mass of Earth in the calculation, and use the only the constants g = 9.8 and radius of Earth 6380 km. I'm supposed to find the apogee and orbital period, but not using mass of Earth makes things seem so complicated. And the formula for period itself has mass of Earth in it.

Homework Equations


where ecc is eccentricity
perigee = r_min + radius of Earth
r_max = (1+ecc)*r_min/(1-ecc)

The Attempt at a Solution


Since argular momentum is conserved,
m v_pe r_min = m v_ap r_max
=> r_max = v_pe r_min / v_ap
I tried to find v_ap, but that the formula has mass of Earth in it, so I can't use that.
Thank you
 
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But given g and the radius of the Earth you can infer the gravitational parameter ##\mu = GM_e##, right?
 
gneill said:
But given g and the radius of the Earth you can infer the gravitational parameter ##\mu = GM_e##, right?
So what you meant is
g = GM/r_earth^2 = μ/r_earth^2
=> g*r_earth^2 = μ ? That makes sense. Thank you.
 
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Natchanon said:
So what you meant is
g = GM/r_earth^2 = μ/r_earth^2
=> g*r_earth^2 = μ ? That makes sense. Thank you.
Yup. And so you can proceed with the rest of the usual basic orbital motion equation lexicon.
 
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