Orbital velocity of a craft at 4km above the Moon's surface

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on calculating the orbital velocity of a spacecraft at an altitude of 4 km above the Moon's surface. It involves theoretical considerations of orbital mechanics and gravitational forces.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the formula for circular orbital velocity, ##\sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}##, where ##G## is the gravitational constant, ##M## is the mass of the Moon, and ##r## is the distance from the Moon's center.
  • Another participant suggests using the escape velocity of the Moon divided by ##\sqrt{2}## as an alternative method for estimating the orbital velocity.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding which value of the gravitational constant to use, noting variations found online.
  • Another participant recommends using the SI unit value of ##6.674*10^{-11}## for ##G##, advising to use mass in kilograms and distance in meters for consistency.
  • A later reply warns that low lunar orbits may not be circular due to the presence of lunar mascons, which can affect orbital dynamics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the formula for calculating orbital velocity, but there is uncertainty regarding the appropriate value of the gravitational constant and the implications of lunar mascons on orbital shape.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential limitations in precision due to variations in the gravitational constant and the effects of lunar mascons on low orbits.

Fred Bobo
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What would be the orbital velocity of craft at 4km above moon surface?
Assume a mass of 1,000,000 lb, US.
 

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For a circular orbit, it's ##\sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}## where ##G## is the gravitational constant, ##M## is the mass of the body being orbited (here: Moon), and ##r## is the distance from the centre of the body. The mass of the craft doesn't matter.
Find the values on Wikipedia and plug them in. Or, you can make it even easier, and take the escape velocity listed on Wikipedia's page about the Moon, and divide it by ##\sqrt{2}##. The result will be only marginally off.
 
Thank you.
 
You want the one in SI units. Use ##6.674*10^{-11}##. You don't really need more significant numbers as it won't make much of a difference. Then use mass M in kilograms and distance r in metres - again, don't bother with too many significant numbers, unless you really feel like it matters to you if the result is very precise.
 
Thank you. All good now.
 
Care: Due to the lunar mascons, low orbits are seriously non-circular, unto 'lumpy'...
 

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