Question
The space shuttle had a top orbital speed of 8000 m/s and orbited in a circular orbit approximately 320 km above the earth's surface. How long was one orbit in seconds?
Details and assumptions
The radius of the earth is 6370 km.
Details and assumptions
The radius of the earth is 6370 km.
Answers
Steve
orbital radius = 6370+320=6690km
orbital circumference is thus 2pi*6690 = 42034km
divide that (in meters) by 800 m/s to get the period in seconds.
orbital circumference is thus 2pi*6690 = 42034km
divide that (in meters) by 800 m/s to get the period in seconds.