Solving the Shuttle's Orbital Recovery: Angular Momentum

1 reply · 2K views · last reply
negatifzeo
Messages
66
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A space shuttle S and a satellite A are in the circular orbits shown. In order for the shuttle to recover the satellite, the shuttle is first placed in an elliptical path BC by increasing it's speed by deltaVb=280 ft/s as it passes through B. As the shuttle approaches C, it's speed increases by DeltaVc=260 ft/s to insert it into a second elliptical orbit CD. Knowing that the distance from O to C is 4289 mi, determine the amount by which the speed of the shuttle should increase as it approaches D to insert it into the circular orbit of the satellite.

Homework Equations


I know this uses conservation of angular momentum for elliptical orbits, but I can't get a workable equation.

The Attempt at a Solution



The equations for angular momentum involve mass(which cancels here), velocity and radius. The radius is known in one position, the velocity isn't known in any position, only the change in velocity. As a result, I'm confused.
 
Attachments
  • Diagram of Earth at centre O with a circular orbit of radius 180 mi, an outer circular orbit of radius 380 mi, and an elliptical transfer path between points B, C and D on a dashed horizontal line; a shuttle S and satellite A are shown in orbit.
    orbit.png
    43.6 KB · Views: 496
You might try to mix in Newton't law of gravity and mass of Earth to get the speeds.