--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

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 Geometrized units Geometrized

    Geometrized units: The system of units whereby certain basic constants (G, c, k, and h) are set to unison. This makes computations in certain theories, like general relativity, much simpler to deal with, as such constants appear often.

    Q : Define Superconductivity

    Superconductivity: The phenomenon by which, at adequately low temperatures, a conductor can conduct the charge with zero (0) resistance. The current theory for describing superconductivity is the BCS theory.

    		•
  • Q : What is Reflection law Reflection law :

    Reflection law: For a wave-front intersecting a reflecting surface, the angle of incidence is equivalent to the angle of reflection, in the similar plane stated by the ray of incidence and the normal.

    		•
  • Q : What do you mean by the term geocentric

    What do you mean by the term geocentric? Briefly describe it.

    		•
  • 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 Van der Waals force Van der

    Van der Waals force (J.D. van der Waals): The forces responsible for non-ideal behavior of gases, and for lattice energy of molecular crystals. There are three main causes: dipole-dipole interaction; dipole-induced dipole moments; and dispersion a for

    		•
  • Q : Define Lumen or SI unit of luminous flux

    Lumen: lm: The derived SI unit of luminous flux, stated as the luminous flux produced by a uniform point source of 1 cd releasing its luminous energy over a solid angle of 1 sr; it therefore has units of cd sr.

    		•
  • Q : Define Hertz or SI unit of frequency

    Define Hertz or SI unit of frequency: Hertz: Hz (after H. Hertz, 1857-1894): The derived SI unit of frequency, stated as a frequency of 1 cycle per s; it therefore has units of s-1.

    		•
  • Q : Define Trojan points Trojan points : L4

    Trojan points: L4 and L5 are the two dynamically stable Lagrange points (that is, beneath certain conditions).

    		•
  • 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.

    		•