--%>

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 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 : Fission and Fusion What do you mean by

    What do you mean by Fission and Fusion?

  • Q : State Hooke's law as it applies to a

    a 6.00 kg mass is situated at (-1.00, 3.00) meters, what is its mass moment of inertia: a)about the x-axis b)about the y-axis c)About a line defined by x=6.00 m The same object is hun

  • Q : Abhi what should be the choice of

    what should be the choice of standard unit.

  • Q : What is Roche limit Roche limit : The

    Roche limit: The position about a massive body where the tidal forces due to the gravity of the primary equivalent or exceed the surface gravity of a specified satellite. Within the Roche limit, such a satellite will be interrupted by tides.

  • Q : Why tea kettle sing What is the reason

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

  • Q : What is Permeability of free space or

    Permeability of free space: magnetic constant: mu_0: The ratio of the magnetic flux density in the substance to the external field strength for vacuum. It is equivalent to 4 pi x 10-7 H/m.

  • 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 Mediocrity principle Mediocrity

    Mediocrity principle: The principle that there is nothing predominantly interesting about our position in space or time, or regarding ourselves. This principle most likely first made its real manifestation in the scientific community whenever Shapley

  • Q : What is Kerr effect Kerr effect (J.

    Kerr effect (J. Kerr; 1875): The capability of certain substances to refract light waves in a different way whose vibrations are in dissimilar directions whenever the substance is located in an electric field.