--%>

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 Simultaneity principle

    Simultaneity principle: The principle which all frames of reference will contain invariant simultaneity; that is, the two events perceived as simultaneous (that is, containing the similar time coordinate) in one frame will be apparent as simultaneous

  • Q : What is Ground source Heat Pumps Ground

    Ground source Heat Pumps (GSHP): This technology makes use of the energy stored in the earth’s crust, which comes mainly from solar radiation. Fundamentally, heat pumps take up heat at a certain temperature and discharge it at a higher temperatu

  • Q : Explain Poisson equation and Poisson

    Explain Poisson equation and Poisson spot: Poisson equation (S.D. Poisson): The differential form of Gauss' law, that is, div E = rho, Pois

  • Q : How fireworks turn to shapes similar to

    Briefly illustrate how do fireworks turn to shapes similar to hearts and stars?

  • Q : What is Lyman series Lyman series: The

    Lyman series: The sequence that explains the emission spectrum of hydrogen whenever electrons are jumping to the ground state. Each and every line is in the ultraviolet.

  • Q : Define Heat pumps Heat pumps move heat

    Heat pumps move heat from one place to another. They work similar to refrigeration. The movement of heat takes energy, either electrical energy as in the use of  vapor compression heat pumps or thermal energy as in the use of absorption heat pump

  • Q : What is Huygens construction Huygens'

    Huygens' construction: Huygens ‘Principle (C. Huygens): The mechanical propagation of the wave (specially, of light) is equal to supposing that every point on the wave front acts as a point source of the wave emission.

  • Q : Define Occams razor or Ockhams razor

    Occam's [or Ockham's] razor (William of Occam [or Ockham]; c. 1340): It is the suggestion that the simpler a theory is the better. When two theories forecast the phenomena to the similar accuracy, then the one that is simpler is the better one. Furthe

  • Q : What is Boltzmann constant Boltzmann

    Boltzmann constant: k (L. Boltzmann) - The constant that explains the relationship between kinetic energy and temperature for molecules in an ideal gas. This is equivalent to the 1.380 622 x 10-23 J/K.

  • Q : What is Paschen series Paschen series:

    Paschen series: The series that explains the emission spectrum of hydrogen whenever the electron is jumping to the third orbital. Each and every line is in the infrared part of the spectrum.