What Formula Can Help You Understand Satellites in Orbit?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the velocity required for a communication satellite to transition from a 300 km orbit to a geosynchronous orbit at 35,900 km above Earth. The correct velocity at the lower circular orbit, calculated using the formula v = √(GM/(Re+h)), is determined to be 7730 m/s. Participants confirm that energy conservation principles dictate the need for increased kinetic energy to match the elliptical orbit's energy at the transition point.

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  • Understanding of orbital mechanics and energy conservation principles
  • Familiarity with gravitational constant (G) and Earth's radius (Re)
  • Basic proficiency in algebra and square root calculations
  • Knowledge of satellite dynamics and orbital transitions
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  • Study the application of energy conservation in orbital mechanics
  • Learn about the gravitational constant (G) and its significance in satellite calculations
  • Explore the differences between circular and elliptical orbits
  • Investigate the methods for calculating orbital velocities for various altitudes
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Aerospace engineers, physics students, satellite communication professionals, and anyone interested in orbital mechanics and satellite dynamics.

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i solved it. thanks to all who responded
 
Last edited:
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shouldnt the answer be the same as the one in part a?
 
Apply the energy conservation.
 
No, its speed needs to be increased at point 1 so that it matches the speed if it were in the elliptical orbit. This will then transfer it into the new elliptical orbit, or stated differently its energy need to be increased (kinetic) so that it matches the energy of the elliptical orbit at that point (the potential energy is the same at that point for both orbits).
 
Last edited:
nick727kcin said:
a.)Consider a 1000 kg communication satellite that needs to be boosted from an orbit 300 km above the Earth to a geosynchronous orbit 35,900 km above the earth. Find the velocity v_1 on the lower circular orbit.

this came out to be: 7730m/s
Can you show how you got that answer?
 
thanks for responding guys, and i got that answer by using this formula:

v= (sq. root) GM/(Re+h)

part a is definitely right, though
 
nick727kcin said:
thanks for responding guys, and i got that answer by using this formula:

v= (sq. root) GM/(Re+h)

part a is definitely right, though

That looks good to me.
 

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