--%>

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 : What is Magnetic monopole Magnetic

    Magnetic monopole: The hypothetical particle that comprises sources and sinks of the magnetic field. The magnetic monopoles have never been found, however would only cause pretty minor modifications to the Maxwell's equations. They also appear to be p

  • Q : Explain Event horizon Event horizon:

    Event horizon: The radius which a spherical mass should be compressed to in order to convert it into a black hole, or the radius at which the time and space switch responsibilities. Once within the event horizon, it is basically impossible to escape t

  • Q : What is Causality principle Causality

    Causality principle: The principle which cause must always precede effect. More properly, when an event A ("the cause") somehow persuades an event B ("the effect") that take

  • Q : What is Kerr effect Kerr effect (J.

    Kerr effect (J. Kerr; 1875): The capability of certain substances to refract light waves in a different way whose vibrations are in dissimilar directions whenever the substance is located in an electric field.

  • Q : Explain BCS theory BCS theory -  The

    BCS theory - The theory put forth to elucidate both superconductivity and super fluidity. This suggests that in the superconducting (or super fluid) state electrons form Cooper pairs, where two electrons proceed as a single unit. This takes a non

  • Q : Define Pascal or SI unit of pressure

    Pascal: Pa The derived SI unit of pressure stated as 1 N acting over a region of 1 m2; it therefore has units of N/m2

  • Q : Concept of nuclear reaction Describe in

    Describe in brief the concept of nuclear reaction?

  • Q : Define Tesla or SI unit of the magnetic

    Tesla: T (after N. Tesla, 1870-1943): The derived SI unit of the magnetic flux density stated as the magnetic flux density of a magnetic flux of 1 Wb via an area of 1 m2; it therefore has units of Wb/m2.

  • Q : Velocity of the particle Determine the

    Determine the Velocity of the particle in terms of component veocities?

  • Q : Define neuro-modulators What do you

    What do you mean by the term neuro-modulators? Briefly define it.