--%>

Problem on spacecraft

Assuming that ground stations are equally distributed on the Earth, how many ground stations are required to maintain constant contact with a spacecraft at 750 km altitude, and 72 degrees inclination?

E

Expert

Verified

Given:

θ (theta) = 72°, Perpendicular distance of spacecraft=750 km.

We know that, 1° = π/180 radian, Radius of earth=6400 km. 
So, 72°= (72*π)/180 radian,
           = 2*π/5
Since,
θ = Arc/Radius,

Therefore, Arc = θ*Radius,
                      =2*π*750/5,
                      = 300π

Circumference of earth = 2*π*Radius
                                  = 2*π*6400

No. of space station = Circumference of earth/2*Arc
                             = (2*π*6400)/(2*300*π)  
                             = 21 space station (approx.)

   Related Questions in Physics

  • Q : Explain Malus law Malus' law (E.L.

    Malus' law (E.L. Malus): The light intensity I of a ray with primary intensity I0 travelling via a polarizer at an angle theta among the polarization of the light ray and the polarization axis of the polarizer is specified by:

    Q : Fission and Fusion What do you mean by

    What do you mean by Fission and Fusion?

  • Q : Define the term wave fronts What do you

    What do you mean by the term wave fronts? Explain in short.

  • Q : What do you understand by term ray

    What do you understand by term ray casting? Explain briefly?

  • Q : Explain Lagrange points Lagrange points

    Lagrange points: The points in the vicinity of two massive bodies (like the Earth and Moon) with each others' relevant gravities balance. There are five, labeled L1 via L5. L1, L2, and L3 lie all along the centerline among the centers

  • Q : Define Second or SI unit of time

    Second: s: The basic SI unit of time, stated as the period of time equivalent to the duration of 9 192 631 770 periods of the radiation analogous to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of cesium-133 atom.

  • Q : What is Peltier effect Peltier effect

    Peltier effect (J.C.A. Peltier; 1834): The modification in temperature produced at a junction among the two dissimilar metals or semiconductors whenever an electric current passes through the junction.

  • Q : Define Relativity principle Relativity

    Relativity principle: The principle, utilized by Einstein's relativity theories, that the laws of physics are similar, at least qualitatively, in all frames. That is, there is no frame which is better (or qualitatively any different) from any other. T

  • Q : How energy transformed in windmills

    Explain how is energy transformed in the windmills?

  • Q : Steps to the scientific notation

    Illustrate the steps to the scientific notation? Briefly illustrate the steps.