Orbital period and speed of a space shuttle in flight

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the orbital speed of a space shuttle in a 290-mile-high orbit, utilizing gravitational equations and orbital mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the formula for orbital speed but expresses uncertainty about their calculations. Other participants reiterate the formula and provide alternative calculations, questioning the correctness of their approaches.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing different methods to calculate the orbital speed, with some providing calculations and others seeking clarification on the correctness of their approaches. There is no clear consensus yet on the accuracy of the results presented.

Contextual Notes

There appears to be confusion regarding the application of the formula and the values used in the calculations, as well as the conversion of units from miles to meters.

kevnm67
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Homework Statement


The space shuttle is in a 290-mile-high orbit. What is the shuttles orbital speed?


Homework Equations


v=√GM/R+h


The Attempt at a Solution


Period:
Me= 5.98x10^24kg
Re= 6.38x10^6m
H= 290miles * 1609m = 466610m

v= √(6.67x10^-11 N)(5.98x10^24 kg)/ (6.38x10^6 m)+ 466610 m

I didn't get the correct answer and would like some help working through this problem.
 
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v = \sqrt {\frac{ G M } {R+h}}
 
That's the equation I used above
 
i don't know if this is correct but here are my recent calculations:

v=2pi r/T ---> 42955687.5/T
G*M/r^2 = 8.5368*r= 58362553.54 ->v=sqrt(58362553.54)= 7639.54
T=2pi r/v = 5622.8
 

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