How Do You Calculate the Semi-Minor Axis for a Spacecraft's Orbit?

  • Thread starter Thread starter rsyodoom2005
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Mars Spacecraft
AI Thread Summary
To calculate the semi-minor axis for a spacecraft's orbit, the major axis is first determined by summing the distances of 150 km, 150 km, and 230 km, resulting in 530 km. The semi-major axis is then calculated by dividing the major axis by 2, yielding 265 km. The focal length is found by subtracting Earth's distance to the sun (150 km) from the semi-major axis, resulting in 115 km. The semi-minor axis is calculated using the equation b² = a² - f², leading to a semi-minor axis of 150 km. Accurate calculations are essential for successful mission planning.
rsyodoom2005
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Sending a spacecraft to mArs! Help! pLease!

okay guys so you have to open this file to read the question accuretely.. i have done some calculations but not sure if they are correct.


So just this as best as i can, fist i figure out my semi-minor axis = a
by 150km +150 KM +230 km =530km (major axis) now to get me semi minor axis i will just divide it by 2 . Giving me 265km!

Focal lenght= 265km - Earth's disntace to the sun (150 km) =115 km


Now to get my semi minor axis i use the equation b2=(a2-f2)
(530Km-300km)=b2
b=150km
 
Physics news on Phys.org
FILE! shows diagrams! and hints!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
Back
Top