Launch speed to reach a given orbital altitude

AI Thread Summary
To determine the speed of the space shuttle when releasing a satellite into a circular orbit 720 km above Earth, it must match the orbital velocity required for that altitude. The relevant equations include gravitational force and centripetal force, which relate to the satellite's motion. The shuttle's speed at release must ensure the satellite continues in the desired orbit. Essentially, the shuttle must be traveling at the correct velocity to maintain the satellite's trajectory post-release. Understanding this relationship is crucial for successful satellite deployment.
horsecandy911
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



[EDIT: My first statement of the problem was wrong.]

1. The space shuttle releases a satellite into a circular orbit 720 km above the Earth. How fast must the shuttle be moving (relative to Earth) when the release occurs?

Homework Equations



F=GmM/r^2

Fc = mv^2/r

The Attempt at a Solution



Cannot figure out how to do this. I can solve for the orbital velocity (the speed at which the satellite will move around the Earth), but what does this have to do with the speed at which the space shuttle is moving relative to the Earth?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
When the satellite is released, it will be moving at the same speed as the shuttle is. Therefore, the shuttle had better have the right speed in order for the satellite to end up in the desired orbit. In other words, the shuttle basically also has to be in that orbit at the time of release. That's all.
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanged mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Velocity required to escape the solar system
Replies
15
Views
1K
How much work is done when a satellite is launched into orbit?
Replies
5
Views
2K
Satellite Orbiting: Speed, Period, Altitude Calc.
Replies
2
Views
3K
Problem using Newtonian Gravity.... Will you check my work?
Replies
4
Views
1K
Potential Energy and raising a satellite from Earth into a Circular Orbit
Replies
5
Views
2K
An object is launched from the Earth to escape the Sun
Replies
5
Views
2K
Doubling speed in circular orbit to attain elliptical orbit
Replies
3
Views
2K
Minimum work required to put object into orbit?
Replies
10
Views
12K
Find the speed of a satellite at a distance R from Earth
Replies
39
Views
4K
What happens to the speed and time of a satellite orbiting closer to Earth?
Replies
19
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top