Work in moving a satellite's orbit

In summary, the spacecraft will need to perform 1.5 x 10^11 J of work in order to move from a circular orbit 1580km above the surface of Mars to a circular orbit 4190km above the surface. This is calculated by adding the change in potential and kinetic energies, taking into account the masses of the spacecraft and Mars, and the radii of the two orbits.
  • #1
gboff21
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0

Homework Statement


A 2580-kg spacecraft is in a circular orbit a distance 1580km above the surface of Mars.
How much work must the spacecraft engines perform to move the spacecraft to a circular orbit that is 4190km above the surface?

Homework Equations


[tex]\Delta[/tex]U=GMsMm(1/r_2-1/r_1)
[tex]\Delta[/tex]K=1/2GMsMm(1/r_2-1/r_1)

[tex]\Delta[/tex]K derived from [tex]\frac{mv2}{r}[/tex]=[tex]\frac{GMsMm}{r2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Adding the energies
[tex]\Delta[/tex]E=[tex]\Delta[/tex]U+[tex]\Delta[/tex]K=3/2GMsMm(1/r_2-1/r_1)

M_s=2580kg
M_m=6.4191×1023kg
r_m=3397 km
r_1=1580km
r_2=4190km
substituting gives:

[tex]\Delta[/tex]U+[tex]\Delta[/tex]K=3/2G*2580*6.4191×1023*(1/(4190×10^3-339710^3)-1/(1580×10^3-3397×10^3)=3×10^11 J

Is this right? Or am I missing something?
 
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  • #2
gboff21 said:

The Attempt at a Solution


Adding the energies
[tex]\Delta[/tex]E=[tex]\Delta[/tex]U+[tex]\Delta[/tex]K=3/2GMsMm(1/r_2-1/r_1)

I don't see where this 3 comes from You can easily show that, for circular satellite motion,

K = - (1/2)U

So ΔK = -(1/2)ΔU, therefore

ΔK + ΔU = + (1/2)ΔU.
 
  • #3
Ah I forgot that U is negative. So forget the 3 thanks
 

1. How do you move a satellite's orbit?

There are a few ways to move a satellite's orbit, the most common being by using its onboard thrusters. These thrusters can provide small bursts of propulsion to change the satellite's speed and direction. Another method is by using the gravity of a nearby planet or moon to alter the satellite's trajectory.

2. What are some reasons for moving a satellite's orbit?

Satellites may need to have their orbit adjusted for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons include avoiding collisions with other satellites or space debris, maintaining a specific position for communication purposes, or extending the satellite's lifespan by moving it to a higher orbit.

3. How long does it take to move a satellite's orbit?

The time it takes to move a satellite's orbit can vary depending on the size and type of satellite, as well as the desired change in orbit. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few days to several months to move a satellite's orbit.

4. What challenges are involved in moving a satellite's orbit?

Moving a satellite's orbit requires precise calculations and careful maneuvering to ensure the desired outcome. It can also be challenging to maintain the satellite's stability and orientation during the maneuver, as well as dealing with the effects of external forces such as solar radiation and gravitational pull.

5. Is it possible to move a satellite's orbit indefinitely?

No, it is not possible to continuously move a satellite's orbit indefinitely. Eventually, the satellite will run out of fuel or reach the end of its operational life. At this point, it will either be decommissioned or moved to a higher orbit known as a "graveyard" orbit to avoid cluttering low Earth orbit.

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