--%>

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 : Define Watt or SI unit of power Watt: W

    Watt: W (after J. Watt, 1736-1819): The derived SI unit of power, stated as a power of 1 J acting over the period of 1 s; it therefore has the units of J/s.

  • Q : Define Laue pattern Laue pattern (M.

    Laue pattern (M. von Laue): The pattern generated on a photographic film whenever high-frequency electromagnetic waves (like x-rays) are fired at the crystalline solid.

  • Q : Explain Archimedes' principle What is 

    What is Archimedes' principle? A body which is submerged in a fluid is buoyed up by a force equivalent in magnitude to the weight of the fluid which is displaced, and directed upward all along a line via the c

  • Q : Explain Pascals principle Pascal's

    Pascal's principle: The pressure exerted to an enclosed incompressible static fluid is transmitted undiminished to all portions of the fluid.

  • Q : Explain Hawking radiation Hawking

    Hawking radiation (S.W. Hawking; 1973): The theory which black holes emit radiation similar to any other hot body. The virtual particle-antiparticle pairs are continuously being made in supposedly empty space. Infrequently, a pair wil

  • Q : What is Maxwells demon Maxwell's demon

    Maxwell's demon (J.C. Maxwell): A contemplation experiment describing the concepts of entropy. We contain a container of gas that is partitioned into two equivalent sides; each side is in thermal equilibrium with the other. The walls and the separatio

  • Q : Black-hole dynamic laws or laws of

    Explain  laws of black-hole dynamics or First law of black hole dynamics and Second law of black hole dynamics? 

    Q : What do you mean by the term positron

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

  • Q : What is Transition temperature

    Transition temperature: The temperature (that is, dependant on the substance comprised) below that a superconducting material conducts electricity with zero resistance; therefore, the temperature above which a superconductor lose its superconductive p

  • Q : Why tea kettle sing What is the reason

    What is the reason that the tea kettle sing? Briefly state the reason.