What Are the Calculations for the Orbit of Vanguard 1 Satellite?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Longee
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Orbit Satellite
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the calculations for the orbit of the Vanguard 1 satellite, launched on March 3, 1958. Key calculations include the total energy of the satellite-Earth system, angular momentum, apogee speed, distance from the Earth's center, semimajor axis, and orbital period. The total energy was calculated as -9.0788x1019 J, and the angular momentum was found to be 9.244x10-5 kgm2/s. Participants emphasized the importance of understanding the underlying physics rather than simply seeking answers for a quiz.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy in orbital mechanics.
  • Familiarity with angular momentum calculations in physics.
  • Knowledge of orbital parameters such as apogee, perigee, and semimajor axis.
  • Basic proficiency in using formulas for energy conservation in orbital systems.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy in orbital mechanics.
  • Learn how to calculate angular momentum for different orbital configurations.
  • Research the methods for determining orbital parameters like semimajor axis and period.
  • Explore the implications of energy conservation in satellite motion and its effects on orbital dynamics.
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in satellite dynamics and orbital mechanics will benefit from this discussion.

Longee
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
So for an online quiz, I am stuck on this question:

The oldest artificial satellite still in orbit is Vanguard I, launched March 3, 1958. Its mass is 1.60 kg. Neglecting atmospheric drag, the satellite would still be in its initial orbit, with a minimum distance from the center of the Earth of 7.02 Mm and a speed at this perigee point of 8.23 km/s.

(a) For this orbit find the total energy of the satellite–Earth system.

(b) For this orbit find the magnitude of the angular momentum of the satellite.

(c) At apogee, find the satellite's speed and its distance from the center of the Earth. (c1) Distance from the center of the Earth

(d) Find the semimajor axis of its orbit (metres)

(e) Determine its period (minutes)

For A) I subtracted U by Ek and got an answer of -9.0788x10^19 J

For B) I got 9.244x10^-5 Kgm^2/s Are my answers correct so far? I only have one more try on the questions.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF;
We shouldn't be doing your quiz for you. So how can you become confident in your answers without having someone else tell you if you are right or not?
Well, you can check the consequences:
For (a), if I read you right, you are saying that the total energy is the potential energy less the kinetic energy: E=U-K
Would you expect the total energy to be conserved? So what would you expect to happen to the kinetic energy if the satellite were to move closer to the Earth (losing potential energy)? What does the above relation tell you?

For (b) I cannot tell because you have not shown your reasoning. However, you should be able to check by the same approach as for (a).
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K