Satellite Frequency: Revs/Day Calculation Homework

Thread starter TeslaCoil
Start date Jan 25, 2015
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Frequency

In summary, the formula for calculating the number of satellite revolutions per day is: Revs/Day = (2 x π x Semi-Major Axis) / (Orbital Period in seconds). The semi-major axis of a satellite's orbit can be found by taking the average of its apoapsis and periapsis distances. The number of satellite revolutions per day can change due to various factors, and the altitude of a satellite can affect its number of revolutions per day. There is no standard number of revolutions per day for all satellites.

Jan 25, 2015

TeslaCoil

Homework Statement

A satellite in a orbit has a period of 15 hours. What is its frequency in revolutions per day?

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Jan 25, 2015

NascentOxygen

Staff Emeritus

Science Advisor

TeslaCoil said:

Homework Statement

A satellite in a orbit has a period of 15 hours. What is its frequency in revolutions per day?

How will you go about working out the answer?

1. What is the formula for calculating the number of satellite revolutions per day?

The formula for calculating the number of satellite revolutions per day is:
Revs/Day = (2 x π x Semi-Major Axis) / (Orbital Period in seconds).

2. How do I find the semi-major axis of a satellite's orbit?

The semi-major axis of a satellite's orbit can be found by taking the average of its apoapsis (furthest point from Earth) and periapsis (closest point to Earth) distances. These can be obtained from a satellite's orbital parameters or through observational data.

3. Can the number of satellite revolutions per day change?

Yes, the number of satellite revolutions per day can change due to various factors such as atmospheric drag, gravitational perturbations from other objects, and changes in the satellite's orbit due to maneuvering.

4. How does the altitude of a satellite affect its number of revolutions per day?

Generally, the higher the altitude of a satellite, the longer its orbital period and the lower its number of revolutions per day. This is because at higher altitudes, the satellite is further from the Earth's gravitational pull and is moving at a slower speed.

5. Is there a standard number of revolutions per day for all satellites?

No, there is no standard number of revolutions per day for all satellites. It depends on the altitude and orbital period of each individual satellite, which can vary depending on its purpose and design.