--%>

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 Newton or SI unit of force

    Newton: N (after Sir I. Newton, 1642-1727): The derived SI unit of force, stated as the force needed to give a mass of 1 kg of an acceleration of 1 m/s2; it therefore has units of kg m/s2.

  • Q : Dynamic strain aging and the strain

    What is the basic difference among the dynamic strain aging and the strain aging?

  • Q : Problem on Orbit cycle Calculate the

    Calculate the hot and cold temperature after 25 orbits. Assume a 100kg spherical spacecraft made of aluminum. Assume that the spacecraft is in an equatorial orbit. How is calculation 1 different for a spacecraft in a 90 degree (polar) orbit?

  • Q : What is Beauty criterion Beauty

    Beauty criterion (Dirac) - The idea that more aesthetically pleasing a theory is the superior it is. In nature this criterion does not stand up to the actual test -- whether or not forecasts of a given theory agree with observational tests -- however

  • Q : Explain Kirchhoffs laws or Kirchhoffs

    Kirchhoff's laws (G.R. Kirchhoff) Kirchhoff's first laws: An incandescent solid or gas in high pressure will generate a continuous spectrum.

    Q : Define Cosmic background radiation or

    Cosmic background radiation: primal glow: The background of radiation is generally in the frequency range of 3 x 1011 to 3 x 108 Hz discovered in space in the year 1965. It is believed to be the cosmologically re

  • Q : Fundamental principles of the regulation

    Describe the fundamental principles of the regulation? Briefly describe the principles?

  • Q : What is Avogadro constant Avogadro

    Avogadro constant: L; NA (Count A. Avogadro; 1811) The total number of items in a sample of a substance that is equivalent to the number of molecules or atoms in a sample of an ideal gas that is at customary temperature and pressure. It is equivalent

  • Q : Negative mass defect State is it

    State is it possible that the nucleus consists of negative mass defect?

  • Q : Define Mach number Mach number (E.

    Mach number (E. Mach): It is the ratio of the speed of an object in a specified medium to the speed of sound in that medium.