- #1
dotancohen
- 106
- 1
I recently read that the STS orbiters have up to 300 m/s of delta-V available considering the weight of the orbiter and the quantity of propellant in the OMS. I also recall that leaving orbit requires some 100-150 m/s of delta-V depending on altitude.
If deorbiting takes 100-150 m/s, then is it safe to assume that entering orbit takes a similar amount? Do the SSMEs provide a way to circularise the orbit? I'd think not as the OT is ejected while the SSMEs are pointed towards the back.
I ask because if entering orbit takes 150 m/s of delta-V and deorbiting takes another 150, and the orbiter has only 300 m/s available, then how much is available for the mission? For docking with the ISS, or with Hubble in a much higher orbit? How much excess delta-V is available at the end of a mission, in the event of an emergency for instance?
Thanks.
If deorbiting takes 100-150 m/s, then is it safe to assume that entering orbit takes a similar amount? Do the SSMEs provide a way to circularise the orbit? I'd think not as the OT is ejected while the SSMEs are pointed towards the back.
I ask because if entering orbit takes 150 m/s of delta-V and deorbiting takes another 150, and the orbiter has only 300 m/s available, then how much is available for the mission? For docking with the ISS, or with Hubble in a much higher orbit? How much excess delta-V is available at the end of a mission, in the event of an emergency for instance?
Thanks.