Solve Equatorial Orbit: 12 Hours, Radius & Speed

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the radius and orbital speed of a satellite in an equatorial orbit with a period of 12 hours. The radius is determined using the formula r = (GMT^2)/(4π^2)^(1/3), where G is the gravitational constant (6.67 x 10^-11 N m²/kg²) and M is the mass of the Earth (5.98 x 10^24 kg). The orbital speed is calculated using V = √(GM/r). Additionally, the discussion explores how many times the satellite will pass over the same point on the equator, depending on its direction of orbit relative to Earth's rotation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational physics and orbital mechanics
  • Familiarity with the gravitational constant (G) and Earth's mass (M)
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving time, radius, and speed
  • Knowledge of angular velocity and its relation to linear speed
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the radius of a satellite orbit using the formula r = (GMT^2)/(4π^2)^(1/3)
  • Determine the orbital speed using V = √(GM/r)
  • Explore the concept of angular displacement and its application in satellite motion
  • Graph the angular velocities of the satellite and a point on the equator to find their intercepts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in satellite dynamics and orbital mechanics.

LadiiX
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Homework Statement


A satellite is to be put into an equatorial orbit with an orbital period of 12 hours.
Given: 12 Hours = 12 X 60 X 60 seconds

What is the radius?
What is the orbital speed?
How many times a day will the satellite be over the same point on the equator if the satellite orbits in the same direction of the Earth's rotation? If it orbits in the opposite direction?

Homework Equations



r= (GMT^2)/(4pi^2 )^1/3
G = Gravitational Constant = 6.67 X 10^-11 N m^2/kg^2
M = Mass of Earth 5.98 X 10^24 kg
T = time

V= Radical (GM/r)
r = radius

The Attempt at a Solution



Well I started with the radius equation and plugged everything in

r= ((6.67×10^(-11) N∙m^2∕kg^2 × 5.98×10^24 kg × (12×60×60 s)^2)/(4pi^2 ))^(1/3)

However I had trouble working it out. Then the other problems just went over my head.
 
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Well you already got the first question, just multiply the numbers.

You already stated that the orbital speed is [tex]\sqrt{\frac{GM_{earth}}{r}}[/tex]

You know radius already and the other values are constants so find the orbital speed.

Convert orbital speed into angular velocity and do the same for a point on the equator. Then come up with an equation for the angular displacement of the satellite and the point on the equator (angular velocity * time). Then graph these equations and find their intercepts on the domain 0 < t < 86400 (seconds in a day)(note that if the angular displacement differs by a integer multiple of 360 they are technically in the same place). Do something similar for the other scenario.
 

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