--%>

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 Coanda effect Coanda effect:

    Coanda effect: The effect which points out that a fluid tends to flow all along a surface, instead of flowing via free space.

  • Q : Define Gauss law Gauss' law (K.F.

    Gauss' law (K.F. Gauss): The electric flux via a closed surface is proportional to the arithmetical sum of electric charges contained in that closed surface; in its differential form, div E = rho,

  • Q : Explain quantum physics why quantum

    why quantum physics is studied? give me some of topics

  • Q : Define Spin-orbit effect Spin-orbit

    Spin-orbit effect: The effect that causes atomic energy levels to be split since electrons contain intrinsic angular momentum (that is spin) in summation to their extrinsic orbital angular momentum.

  • Q : Branches of physics Briefly list out

    Briefly list out the name of all the branches of physics?

  • Q : Universal law of universal gravitation

    Describe the universal law of universal gravitation? Briefly describe it.

  • Q : Bragg's law Bragg's law - Whenever a

    Bragg's law - Whenever a beam of x-rays strikes a crystal surface in which the layers of ions or atoms are often separated, the maximum intensity of the reflected ray takes place when the complement of the angle of incidence, theta (θ), the wave

  • Q : Define Olbers paradox Olbers' paradox

    Olbers' paradox (H. Olbers; 1826): If the Universe is infinite, consistent, and unchanging then the whole sky at night would be bright -- concerning as bright as the Sun. The further you stared out into space, the more stars there would be, and theref

  • Q : Define Fermi paradox Fermi paradox (E.

    Fermi paradox (E. Fermi): E. Fermi's inference, simplified with the phrase, "Where are they?" questioning that when the Galaxy is filled with intelligent and scientific civilizations, why haven't they come to us hitherto? There are nu

  • 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